02.12.2025 16:22
Major General Bilal Çokay, who was sentenced to 11.5 years in prison for human trafficking from Syria to Turkey using an official vehicle, had his sentence upheld by the Court of Cassation. Çokay's rank was revoked after his arrest.
In 2024, an investigation was launched by the Akçakale Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against Brigadier General Bilal Çokay, who was the Commander of the 16th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Diyarbakır, on the allegation of human trafficking for money using an official vehicle. Çokay, who was detained in Ankara, was brought to Şanlıurfa after his processing. Based on the statements given by the non-commissioned officer and two specialist sergeants under his command, as well as the correspondence and digital evidence obtained, Çokay was arrested and sent to prison by the court he was brought before on June 28, 2024. After his arrest, Çokay was dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces and his rank was revoked.
600 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOUND IN THE NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER'S HOUSE
Along with Çokay, the non-commissioned officer and two specialist sergeants identified as having engaged in human trafficking were also arrested earlier. It was determined that the military personnel had been conducting smuggling activities using the same method for approximately two years, and they opened a car dealership and a nightclub with their illegal earnings. During a search of the non-commissioned officer's house, 600 thousand dollars in cash was seized.
11.5 YEARS OF PRISON SENTENCE CONFIRMED BY THE COURT OF CASSATION
After the investigation was completed, a case was filed against Çokay. He was charged with 'human trafficking' and 'using public duty vehicles and equipment in the commission of a crime'. Çokay, who was tried in detention, was sentenced to 11.5 years in prison by the first-instance court. The decision was finalized with the approval of the Court of Cassation.