114 detained in anti-corruption operation targeting Türkiye’s Mersin customs

A large-scale anti-corruption operation, codenamed ‘Chain’, has resulted in the detention of 114 suspects, including public officials and customs consultants, in Mersin, Türkiye.

The operation was conducted under the coordination of the Mersin Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and executed by the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Division of the Mersin Provincial Police Department.

Anti-corruption operation details and scope

The ‘Chain’ operation was launched following an extensive technical and physical surveillance of personnel working at Mersin International Port.

Investigations revealed that customs officials were accepting bribes from business owners and customs brokers for routine and irregular procedures.

• Systematic bribery structure: A tariff-based bribery system was established, where both routine and irregular transactions involved predetermined bribery fees.
• Currency-based bribes: For irregular transactions, bribes were accepted in foreign currencies based on the scale of irregularities.
• Routine bribes: Even routine, error-free transactions allegedly incurred fixed bribe payments.

The surveillance and investigation culminated in coordinated raids across multiple locations, leading to the arrest of 114 suspects, including 34 public officials and customs brokers and their staff.

As part of the operation detailed by the Mersin Security Directorate, it was revealed that officials at Mersin International Port accepted bribes from business owners. Through technical and physical surveillance, authorities uncovered that customs consultants and their employees routinely bribed customs officials per transaction. The bribery system followed a set tariff and routine, with fixed fees applied to regular transactions and additional bribes, often in foreign currency, demanded for irregular activities based on the nature of the work.

Seized evidence during operations

Authorities seized substantial evidence during the raids, including:

• Cash: ₺128,500 and $40,355
• Valuables: 42 grams of gold bullion, 18 bracelets, 2 gold chains, 64 full gold coins, 11 half gold coins, and 63 quarter gold coins
• Firearms: Three unlicensed pistols, magazines, and 371 rounds of ammunition
• Other valuables: Nine luxury wristwatches and illicit pharmaceutical drugs

Statements from authorities

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior praised the efforts of the Mersin Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Division, saying:
“During the operation, 114 suspects, including 34 public officials, customs brokers and brokerage employees, were detained. We congratulate the Mersin Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for coordinating the operation and the Mersin Provincial Police Department for carrying out the operation.”

Suspects transferred to court

After the completion of police procedures, the suspects were taken for health checks and subsequently transferred to the courthouse to face legal proceedings.