Minister Gürlek announces: Major blow to Italy-linked criminal organization in 7 provinces

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in a statement made via his social media account, emphasized that the fight against street gangs and organized crime groups that threaten public order and the safety of cities is being carried out with determination. Stating that they are acting in full cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Interior, Gürlek expressed that more effective steps will be taken in every field against criminal structures.

6 LAWYERS AMONG THEM

As a result of effective cooperation carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and with the Istanbul Provincial Police Department, the button was pressed for an operation against an organized armed criminal group whose leader is subject to a red notice and is currently imprisoned in Italy. The Istanbul-centered operations were carried out simultaneously at 113 designated addresses in a total of 7 provinces, including Tekirdağ, İzmir, Siirt, Samsun, Tokat, and Şanlıurfa.

Within the scope of the meticulous investigation, it was determined that the suspects were involved in acts of qualified extortion and threats, attempted to prevent or influence witnesses and suspects from testifying, and provided financial support to organization members. It was noted that 6 lawyers were among the 54 suspects against whom the operation was conducted.

700 SUSPECTS PROCESSED TO DATE

Sharing the balance sheet of the large-scale investigations carried out against the aforementioned organized crime group from the past to the present, Minister Gürlek reported that legal proceedings have been initiated against a total of 700 suspects to date, and that indictments have been prepared and public lawsuits have been filed.

Minister Gürlek concluded his statement with the following words: "Our fight against criminal organizations will continue within the framework of the principles of the rule of law, with the determined, coordinated, and uninterrupted work of our judiciary and law enforcement units. I would like to thank our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which is conducting the investigation meticulously, our Istanbul Provincial Police Department, which successfully carried out the operation, and all our security forces who contributed. We will not allow any criminal structure that targets the peace of our nation, public order, and the supremacy of justice."

News Source: 12punto