Organized crime operation in Türkiye leads to 270 arrests

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the successful conclusion of “Kuyu-37,” an extensive nationwide operation against a major organized crime syndicate allegedly led by Ramazan Baygara, currently detained abroad and wanted by Interpol.

The operation spanned 16 provinces, resulting in the arrest of 270 suspects linked to various criminal activities.

Nationwide crackdown targets major crime syndicate

In coordination with the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the General Directorate of Security’s Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (KOM) Department, law enforcement conducted raids in cities including Adana, Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Mersin and Antalya.

Elebaşılığını Kırmızı Bültenle aranan ve yurt dışında tutuklu bulunan Ramazan Bayğara’nın yaptığı Organize Suç Örgütüne yönelik Adana merkezli 16 ildeki “KUYU-37” operasyonlarında örgütü üyesi 270 şüpheli yakalandı❗

🚩Adana Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı ve Emniyet Genel Müdürlüğü KOM… pic.twitter.com/yba3l4FQPq

— T.C. İçişleri Bakanlığı (@TC_icisleri) November 11, 2024

The suspects are accused of participating in 83 different criminal acts, including drug trafficking, weapon smuggling, extortion, fraud and privacy violations.

Wide array of criminal charges filed

Authorities have initiated investigations against the suspects for a range of charges, such as:

• Establishing a criminal organization
• Attempted murder and assault
• Drug manufacturing and trafficking
• Firearms trafficking and violation of law 6136
• Fraud, theft and property damage
• Infringement of privacy and insulting public officials

Minister Yerlikaya praised the efforts of the Adana Prosecutor’s Office and the dedicated police officers, stating, “We commend the courage of our officers. May they always be safe. The prayers of our people are with them.”

Seizure of weapons, drugs and assets

The operation yielded significant seizures, including:

• 43 unlicensed pistols, 11 rifles, five AK type assault rifles
• Two automatic firearms, four grenades
• Large quantities of narcotics, foreign currency and digital equipment

Authorities also placed temporary holds on assets, including eight houses, two plots of land, one vehicle, four motorcycles and 19 bank accounts.