27.06.2026 12:20
Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against armed criminal organizations, operations were carried out in various provinces to capture 34 suspects, including 5 lawyers. It was reported that the investigation into 'new generation street gangs,' which are alleged to have been involved in crimes such as threats, robbery, shootings, and murder through foreign numbers, continues.
It has been reported that operations were carried out at numerous addresses in various provinces to apprehend 34 suspects, including 5 lawyers, who were subject to detention orders as part of an investigation into armed criminal organizations by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
In a statement from the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that efforts against armed criminal organizations, known in the public as "new generation street gangs," are being carried out decisively within the scope of investigations led by the Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau into the crimes of "forming an organization to commit crimes," "aggravated robbery," "intentional killing," "attempted intentional killing," "violation of Law No. 6136," "damaging property," "deliberately endangering public safety," and "threat."
RED NOTICE ISSUED FOR ORGANIZATION LEADERS In the statement, it was noted that efforts regarding members of the new generation armed criminal organization, who are believed to have contacted victims via foreign numbers to demand money through threats, and to have been involved in acts such as shooting at workplaces and residences, intentional killings, and injuries, were initiated by the Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Branch under the coordination of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The statement added:
"In order to reveal the actions of the armed criminal organization, the hierarchical structure within the organization, and all overt and covert aspects of the structure, as well as to uncover all actions that have or have not been reflected in judicial authorities, decisions for the detection and recording of communications under Article 135 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CMK) and physical surveillance under Article 140 of the CMK were taken against the identified suspects in accordance with the decisions of the Istanbul Criminal Judgeships of Peace. Within this framework, operational processes were initiated, and numerous operations were carried out across the country, primarily in Istanbul, on various dates in 2025 and 2026 against members of the criminal organization. As a result of the operations, many actions of the criminal organization were uncovered, and a large number of identified suspects were apprehended and referred to judicial authorities. Red notice arrest records have been issued for the suspects in the so-called organization's leadership cadre who were found to have fled abroad illegally."
DOCUMENTS SHARED WITH INTERPOL AND EUROPOL In the statement, it was reported that during the investigation, it was determined that organization members continued their systematic threat actions against victims via foreign numbers. It was noted that, regarding the foreign numbers mentioned in victim statements and believed to be used by organization members, IP information was requested from the 'WhatsApp' company in coordination with the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the Cyber Crimes Branch Directorate.
The statement noted that examinations revealed that the IP information of the foreign numbers used was linked to Italy, Belgium, and Russia. Within this context, it was stated that the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office conducted the necessary correspondence, requested judicial assistance, and initiated the process for the apprehension of the suspects.
In the statement, it was reported that ongoing efforts involved sharing the necessary information and documents with the Interpol-Europol Department, and requesting coordinated work with the Interpol units of the relevant countries. Furthermore, it was stated that comprehensive work on the criminal organization, as well as information on fugitive suspects and the organization's leadership and management cadre abroad, were also shared with the Intelligence Directorate and the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Directorate.
In the statement, it was reported that in the next phase of the investigation, a new operation was planned under the coordination of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to apprehend the organization's leaders and members, completely end the organization's activities, seize evidence of crimes, and ensure public order. Within this scope, it was stated that operations were carried out at numerous addresses in various provinces to apprehend a total of 34 suspects, including 5 lawyers.
The statement expressed that efforts are ongoing under the coordination of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and by the Istanbul Organized Crime Branch Directorate to uncover all actions of the criminal organization, apprehend fugitive suspects, and expose the organization's domestic and international connections.