Istanbul governor announces January security report: Crime rate drops

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul released the city’s January security report, detailing significant operations against organized crime, counterfeit alcohol, and various illegal activities.

Crackdown on counterfeit and smuggled alcohol

As part of efforts to combat counterfeit and smuggled alcohol, authorities apprehended 190 suspects, 11 of whom were formally arrested.

Law enforcement seized a total of 86,274 liters of illegal alcohol, preventing it from reaching the market.

Operations against organized crime

Security forces conducted 25 operations targeting criminal gangs, resulting in the capture of 179 suspects. Out of those detained, 90 were formally arrested, while 66 were placed under judicial control.

Authorities also seized assets worth ₺5.09 billion ($141.4M) linked to these criminal organizations.

Decline in major crimes

Governor Gul reported a decline in key crime categories compared to the same period in 2024:

• An overall 6.5% reduction in crimes against individuals.
• A 27.6% drop in property-related crimes.
• Specific reductions include:
  • 47% decrease in snatch theft incidents.
  • 64% reduction in car thefts.
  • 38% decline in pickpocketing cases.
  • 51% drop in motorcycle thefts.
  • 41% decrease in home burglaries.
  • 9% decline in fraud-related crimes.

Additionally, 17,990 fugitives wanted for various crimes were captured, marking a 3.4% increase in arrests compared to January 2024.

Weapons and illegal drug seizures

Authorities confiscated 1,249 unlicensed firearms, leading to the arrest of 1,382 individuals. Governor Gul expressed confidence that stricter penalties would lead to further reductions in gun-related crimes.

Law enforcement also intensified anti-narcotics operations, resulting in:

• 994 drug-related raids.
• 1,663 arrests, including 555 formal detentions.
• Seizures of one ton of narcotics, 17 million drug pills, and 102 cannabis plants.
• Outreach efforts under the “Best Narcotics Police: Mothers” initiative, educating 13,731 women about substance abuse prevention.

Unlicensed rental properties and business closures

Strict monitoring of short-term rentals resulted in penalties for eight illegally operated properties, totaling ₺1.15 million ($31,963.56) in fines.

Additionally, 204 unauthorized or non-compliant accommodation facilities were shut down.

Traffic and public transport oversight

• 22,792 taxi inspections were conducted, marking a 65% increase compared to the previous year.
• 1,571 vehicles with unauthorized emergency lights (flashers) were checked, leading to 107 fines.
• School transport inspections increased by 45% compared to 2024.

Combating irregular migration

• Authorities screened 97,000 foreign nationals at mobile immigration checkpoints in January.
• 5,296 irregular migrants were identified.
• 25 operations targeted human trafficking networks, leading to 29 arrests and five formal detentions.