30 suspects arrested in Kuyu-15 ops. targeting organized crime groups

In a coordinated effort by the Turkish Interior Ministry, the Kirklareli Police Department successfully conducted “Kuyu-15” operations, leading to the arrest of 30 suspects involved in rival organized crime groups.

Operation details

The operations were spearheaded by the Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and coordinated by the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Department (KOM) under the General Directorate of Security.

The police raids were conducted in Kirklareli, Istanbul, Tekirdag and Diyarbakir, targeting the gangs led by Nizamettin Gunduz and Ercan Kartay, who were known to be at odds with each other.

Crimes and charges

The suspects are accused of a wide array of serious crimes, including:

• Establishing a criminal organization
• Attempted murder
• Robbery
• Property damage
• Usury
• Prostitution
• Human trafficking
• Endangering public safety
• Violating Law No. 6136 on Firearms and Knives

Among the seized items were eight unlicensed pistols, two unlicensed rifles and numerous rounds of ammunition.

Minister’s statement

Minister Yerlikaya emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating organized crime, stating on social media: “I want our dear nation to know that; Those who get arrogant in crime, those who disturb the peace of our people, organized crime organizations and gangs will fall into the pits they have dug.”

“I congratulate our Heroic Police Officers who carried out the operations. May God not let stones touch their feet. Our nation’s prayers are with you,” Yerlikaya added.

Kırklareli merkezli 4️⃣ ilde Elebaşılığını Nizamettin Gündüz ve Ercan Kartay’ın yaptığı birbirleriyle husumetli 2️⃣ ayrı Organize Suç Örgütüne yönelik “KUYU-15” operasyonları düzenlendi ❗️

Operasyonlarda elebaşlarının da içerisinde bulunduğu Organize Suç Örgütü Üyesi 3️⃣0️⃣ şüpheli… pic.twitter.com/EALCWM5HVK

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) August 7, 2024