05.05.2026 10:34
In an operation supported by helicopters targeting an armed organized crime group in 5 provinces centered in Istanbul, 63 suspects were detained.
In a helicopter-supported operation targeting an armed organized crime ring based in Istanbul across 5 provinces, 63 suspects were detained. During searches conducted in the operations, numerous weapons, drugs, and cartridges were seized. Teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Branch, in coordination with the Intelligence Branch and under the coordination of the Küçükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, tracked the armed organized crime group involved in criminal activities across the city, particularly in Başakşehir. Investigations revealed that the organization was led by Ş.B., who was already in prison for previous crimes.
HELICOPTER-SUPPORTED OPERATION IN 5 PROVINCES
The crime organization was found to be involved in numerous crimes. It was determined that the organization leader ordered shootings and wounding actions to be carried out by organization members and third parties for payment, and these actions were conducted to create fear and pressure among tradespeople, due to the sharing of drug revenue and regional profit disputes. It was learned that previous operations had also resulted in arrests related to the organization, with 38 people, including the organization leader, being arrested and sent to prison. Following these efforts, a simultaneous helicopter-supported operation was carried out this morning in 5 provinces centered on Istanbul. During the operation, 63 suspects were detained. Searches at the suspects' homes yielded 1 long-barreled rifle, 3 automatic pistols, 13 unlicensed pistols, 3.25 kilograms of drugs, and numerous cartridges.