21.08.2026 12:10
An organized theft network that committed pickpocketing in Istanbul's tourist areas, on tram vehicles and at stops, specifically targeting foreign tourists using "squeezing" and "screening" methods, has been uncovered. As a result of project-based operations carried out since May 18, it was determined that 32 suspects, mostly foreign nationals, were operating within the organizational structure. All details of the investigation have emerged.
Within the scope of efforts carried out by the Istanbul Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau, in coordination with the Anti-Theft and Pickpocketing Bureau Office of the Istanbul Provincial Police Department's Public Order Branch Directorate; an organized theft network was uncovered that targeted especially foreign tourists in Istanbul's touristic areas, on tram vehicles and at tram stops, committing pickpocketing using the "squeezing" and "screening" methods.
3-MONTH PROJECT-BASED WORK CONDUCTED
As a result of project-based work carried out since May 18, 2026, within the scope of the investigation file numbered 2026/92000 of the Istanbul Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was determined that 32 suspects, mostly foreign nationals, were operating within the organizational structure.
According to the evidence and findings obtained during the investigation, it was determined that the suspects operated in tram vehicles, stops, and areas with high tourist density in the districts of Eyüpsultan, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Zeytinburnu, and Fatih, acting under the instructions and supervision of district and stop leaders with a division of tasks.
THEY USED THE "SQUEEZING" AND "SCREENING" METHODS
It was determined that the suspects acted in organized groups of 3-6 people in crowded areas, especially in Taksim Square, Karaköy Tram Stop, the Dolmabahçe and Kabataş area, Kabataş Sea Bus Stop, Sirkeci and Eminönü tram stops, and busy pedestrian crossings; they surrounded foreign tourists and committed pickpocketing using the "squeezing" and "screening" methods.
THE ROLES OF THE LEADERS AND THEIR DEPUTIES IN THE ACTIONS WERE REVEALED
During the investigation, findings were obtained indicating that the district and stop leaders and their deputies within the organization directed the other suspects during theft actions; they provided protection to the organization members when victims reacted, and they removed the suspects from the scene to prevent them from being handed over to police teams. It was assessed that the structure operated continuously and based on a division of duties in this manner.
APPROXIMATELY 10 THEFTS PER DAY, 400 THOUSAND TL IN CRIMINAL INCOME
As a result of the efforts carried out, it was determined that the suspects were involved in 25 separate qualified theft actions. Based on the findings obtained during the investigation, it was assessed that the organization committed approximately 10 separate theft actions per day and obtained approximately 400 thousand TL in daily criminal income from the victims.
SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION AT 35 ADDRESSES
On August 21, 2026, a simultaneous operation was carried out at 35 predetermined addresses across Istanbul to end the activities of the criminal organization, apprehend the suspects assessed to have participated in the actions, and seize criminal elements.
Judicial proceedings within the scope of the operation and investigation are ongoing.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION WAS UNCOVERED
The suspects against whom proceedings are being conducted within the scope of the investigation, based on their positions within the organization, are as follows:
Organization leaders:
Yunus Gezer – Organization Leader
Savaş Can – Organization Leader
İsmail Balık – Organization Leader
Organization deputy leaders:
Rami Hasan – Organization Deputy Leader
Mahmut Bavuk – Organization Deputy Leader
Emrah Arslanhan – Organization Deputy Leader
Osman Balık – Organization Deputy Leader
Suspects assessed to be organization members:
Suphiye Hasan
Lemiz Şakir Muhammed
Leyla Süleyman
Selva Muhammed – Detained
Suzan Kadır
Child in Judicial Process Gazel Hasan
Child in Judicial Process Rahaf Hasan
Buşra Muhammed
Suad Al Hasan
Zahra Suleyman
Leyla Hasan – Detained
Suna Avcı
Selma Avcı
Zehra Avcı
Iman Elhasan
Aya Elhasan
Bedur Hasan
Rukiye Avcı
Dıma Alhasan
Nuh Elmuhammed – Detained
Esmahan El Abid El Meci
Besma Muhammed
Fadıl Hasan
Child in Judicial Process Sajeda Suleiman
Nermin Hasan – Detained
4 SUSPECTS DETAINED FOR OTHER CRIMES
Within the scope of the investigation, the positions within the organizational structure and connections to theft actions of a total of 32 suspects, including 3 organization leaders and 4 organization deputy leaders, are being examined. It was learned that 4 of the suspects are detained for other crimes.
The investigation being conducted by the Istanbul Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is continuing in a comprehensive and meticulous manner to uncover all activities of the organization, other theft actions not yet identified, any other victims, the division of duties within the organization, and the income assessed to have been obtained from crime.