22.06.2026 17:40
In an operation conducted across 5 provinces targeting the 'Hat-wearers' armed criminal organization, which was found to be involved in numerous crimes such as workplace shootings, threats, and assault in Istanbul, 24 suspects, including 4 lawyers, were taken into custody and later referred to the courthouse after police procedures. It was determined that the suspect lawyers directed the apprehended trigger men not to reveal the names of the organization's leaders in their statements.
In an operation organized in 5 provinces centered in Istanbul, 24 suspects, members of the 'Şapkalılar' armed criminal organization, were caught. The suspects, including 4 lawyers, were involved in crimes such as threats, shooting at workplaces, and wounding. It was determined that the lawyers directed the hitmen.
Within the scope of the investigation coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau, an operation was carried out in Istanbul-centered Diyarbakır, Erzurum, Tekirdağ, and Muş. During the operations, 24 suspects considered to be members of the 'Şapkalılar' criminal organization were caught. In the work of the Robbery Bureau teams, it was determined that the suspects threatened victims demanding money, and were involved in numerous crimes such as shooting at workplaces and homes, robbery, intentional killing, and wounding.
2 WOMEN AND 4 LAWYERS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
It was learned that among the suspects taken into custody by the Public Order Branch Directorate Robbery Bureau teams, there were 4 lawyers, 2 of whom were women. It was determined that the suspect lawyers made suggestions during testimony that the caught hitmen should not reveal the names of the organization leaders. Among the suspects interrogated at the Robbery Bureau, besides the hitmen, there were logistics officers who supplied them with motorcycles and weapons, as well as organization members who provided financing. The 24 suspects, whose procedures at the police department were completed, were referred to the courthouse.