04.08.2026 11:51
In an operation against a criminal organization held in 3 provinces centered in Istanbul, 23 suspects were detained for collecting money from businesspeople under the name of 'street rights' and firing bullets at the workplaces of those who objected. Efforts continue to capture 8 suspects.
23 suspects were detained in an organized crime operation across 3 provinces, based in Istanbul.
THIS IS THE NEW METHOD: STREET TAX
In an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Terrorism and Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau into the crimes of "forming an organization for the purpose of committing crimes", "aggravated robbery", "damaging property", "attempted intentional murder", and "violating Law No. 6136", it was determined that the suspects, by sending messages and calling businesspeople across Istanbul from foreign phone lines, imposed fines under the name of "street tax", and attempted to shoot and set fire to the workplaces of those who refused to pay.
23 GANG MEMBERS DETAINED
It was established that the suspects robbed workplaces and also attempted to kill some businesspeople. Of the 36 suspects whose identities were determined, 5 were learned to be in penal institutions. Simultaneous operations were carried out in Istanbul, Antalya, and Yalova to apprehend the other 31 suspects.
In the operation, 23 of the suspects were detained, while efforts continue to capture the remaining 8.