Izmir police dismantle organized crime syndicate, 9 arrested

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced Thursday that an organized crime syndicate was dismantled with the Mahzen-48 operation in Izmir, resulting in the apprehension of nine suspects.

Yerlikaya detailed on social media that the syndicate, led by Batuhan Tok, also known as “Lizard” and currently imprisoned, was dismantled through coordinated efforts by the Odemis Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Department.

The operation, conducted by the Izmir Provincial Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit, targeted suspects involved in crimes such as forming a criminal organization, intentional injury, violating Law No. 6136, and armed threats, confirmed Yerlikaya in his statement.

The operation led to the seizure of five unlicensed pistols, six unlicensed rifles, and various illegal drugs.

“We are determined to clean our country from organized crime groups and gangs. We will dismantle organized crime syndicates of any size and bring them in front of justice,” Yerlikaya stated.