21.08.2026 10:22
Simultaneous operations were conducted against a theft ring targeting tourists in Istanbul and two organized crime organizations hiding among the 'Forza' and 'Yali' fan groups in Izmir. Minister of Justice Akin Gurlek shared the details of the operations. It was determined that the theft ring had carried out 25 separate acts, and 32 suspects who were members of the gang were identified. In Izmir, 28 suspects, considered to be members of the criminal organizations disguised as fans, were apprehended.
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced the details of two separate simultaneous operations against organized crime groups in Istanbul and Izmir, stating that the fight against structures that disturb the peace of the cities will continue with determination.
THEY TARGETED TOURISTS
Within the scope of the investigation coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was determined that 32 suspects, mostly of foreign nationality, committed organized theft in touristic areas using the "squeezing and shielding" method.
It was determined that the organization carried out 25 separate theft acts. It was established that the suspects committed approximately 10 acts per day and obtained criminal proceeds of around 400,000 TL.
THEY DISGUISED THEIR ORGANIZATION AS "FANS"
In the investigation coordinated by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, two organized crime structures operating within the "Forza" and "Yali" fan groups were uncovered. Following the murder of Emircan Övüç on September 19, 2025, in-depth examinations revealed that 8 separate violent acts occurred between the two groups in 8 months.
It was determined that 27 of the 59 organization members are currently in prison. In the operation carried out at 39 addresses across 4 provinces centered in Izmir, 28 suspects, including organization leaders, were apprehended, while efforts continue to search for 4 fugitives. Weapons, ammunition, and drugs were seized during the searches.
MINISTER GÜRLEK SHARED THE DETAILS
Minister Gürlek made the following statements regarding the details of the operations:
"We continue our fight with determination against organized structures that disrupt the peace of our cities, threaten the safety of our citizens and guests visiting our country, and turn violence and crime into a source of income. The two major operations carried out today in Istanbul and Izmir are a concrete indicator of our determination in this fight.
In the investigation conducted under the coordination of our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office with our Istanbul Provincial Police Department; an organized theft structure has been dismantled, where 32 suspects, mostly of foreign nationality, acted in groups in tramways, stops, and pedestrian crossings in touristic areas, particularly targeting foreign tourists using the 'squeezing and shielding' method.
25 separate theft acts by the organization have been identified; it has been determined that they obtained approximately 400,000 TL in criminal proceeds by carrying out about 10 acts per day. To put an end to the activities of the structure, simultaneous operations were carried out at 35 separate addresses in Istanbul.
In the other investigation conducted under the coordination of our Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office with our Izmir Provincial Police Department, two organized crime structures operating within the 'Forza' and 'Yali' fan groups were uncovered. In the investigation deepened after Emircan Övüç was killed with a firearm on September 19, 2025, it was determined that 8 separate violent acts occurred between the two groups within approximately 8 months.
In the investigation where a total of 59 organization members were identified, it was determined that 27 people were in prison; in the simultaneous operation carried out at 39 addresses across 4 provinces centered in Izmir targeting 32 active suspects, 28 suspects were apprehended and organization leaders were taken into custody. Efforts continue to capture the 4 fugitive suspects. Weapons, ammunition, narcotic pills, and various criminal items were seized during the searches.
No one can view Istanbul's tourism activity as a safe haven for theft, nor fan identity and sports stands for armed confrontations. In strong coordination with our Ministry of Interior and security forces, we will continue to resolutely pursue the leaders, members, connections, and proceeds of crime from criminal organizations.
I thank our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which conducted the investigations meticulously; our Istanbul and Izmir Provincial Police Departments, and all public officials involved in the operations. We will not allow any criminal organization that threatens the peace of our cities."