115 human smuggling organizers arrested in Türkiye
Turkish Gendarmerie forces conducting an operation. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya announced the successful conclusion of “Kalkan-33” operations, which led to the apprehension of 115 individuals involved in human smuggling activities.
115 human smuggling organizers arrested in nationwide operation
The operations were conducted in coordination with public prosecutors, the Directorate of Migration Management, and the Gendarmerie General Command’s Department for Combating Human Smuggling and Trafficking.
Of the 115 suspects arrested, 49 were formally detained. Judicial control measures were imposed on 15 others, while investigations continued for the remaining suspects.
Weapons, vehicles seized during operations
Yerlikaya highlighted that the nationwide operations resulted in the seizure of several illegal items:
- Multiple unlicensed firearms
- 78 vehicles reportedly used in smuggling operations
In a statement shared on social media, Yerlikaya reaffirmed Türkiye‘s steadfast approach to combating irregular migration and its associated criminal networks.
“We continue to resolutely fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling organizers,” Yerlikaya emphasized.
