Turkish authorities nab 16 human trafficking organizers in countrywide operation

Turkish authorities apprehend 16 human trafficking organizations, signaling a firm stance against irregular migration and human trafficking

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 16 human trafficking organizers were apprehended in the “Shield-21” operation conducted in Mugla and Adana, with 12 of them being arrested and four placed under judicial control.

Minister Yerlikaya emphasized on social media that operations to prevent irregular migration and human trafficking would continue relentlessly throughout Türkiye, saying: “We will never allow human traffickers trying to make our country a target and transit route for irregular migration to succeed.”

Yerlikaya noted that the “Shield-21” operation was coordinated by the Directorate General of Migration Management and the Directorate of Human Trafficking Combat and Border Gates of the General Directorate of Security. 

“As a result of the operations conducted by the Directorate of Human Trafficking Combat and Border Gates Branch Directorate of Muğla Provincial Security Directorate, 5 human trafficking organizers were apprehended. 3 were arrested, and 2 were placed under judicial control,” he added.

In Adana, a total of 11 human trafficking organizers, including seven foreigners, were apprehended. Nine were arrested, and two were placed under judicial control.

Yerlikaya highlighted that a significant amount of foreign currency and Turkish lira were seized as a result of the operations and commended the police officers and personnel who carried out the operation.

Source: Newsroom

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