19.08.2026 16:11
In Ankara, the number of suspects detained in an operation against 5 entertainment venues within the scope of 'human trafficking', 'migrant smuggling' and 'prostitution investigation' has risen to 26. During the operation, a woman hiding under a kitchen counter drew attention.
Under the coordination of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a simultaneous operation was carried out against 5 entertainment venues in the Çankaya district within the scope of the 'human trafficking', 'migrant smuggling' and 'prostitution' investigation conducted by the Provincial Police Department's Anti-Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates Branch Directorate. A total of 27 suspects, including venue owners, employees, or those considered to be in contact with these individuals, were identified. It was determined that the suspects recruited foreign women, who had come to Turkey legally to work and build a better life due to war, economic difficulties, family problems, and similar reasons in their countries, with the promise of employing them in regular jobs.
PROSTITUTION ALLEGATION
It was established that the suspects then exploited the women's difficult situation and desperation, forcing them to do hostessing at customer tables in entertainment venues. In the evidence obtained during the investigation, it was assessed that some foreign women were directed to homes and hotels for prostitution purposes, and illicit gains were made through these activities. The number of detentions within the scope of the operation rose to 26.
1 PERSON IS BEING SOUGHT
It was reported that one of the suspects, O.G., is in prison under another case file, while efforts to apprehend E.A. are ongoing. During the operation, 15 foreign women, who were determined to have been made to do hostessing in the entertainment venues, were handed over to the relevant units for necessary procedures. It was stated that of the 15 foreign women, 6 were citizens of Uzbekistan, 1 of Iraq, and 4 of Turkmenistan. Necessary administrative procedures were also initiated against 3 foreign suspects found to have no legal right to stay.
EMERGED FROM UNDER THE COUNTER
On the other hand, during a search conducted by the teams during the operation, it was found that a woman was hiding under a kitchen counter. The woman, removed from under the counter by the teams, became one of the striking images of the operation.