18 women rescued in operation against prostitution ring: 14 arrests

The Kocaeli Provincial Police Department carried out a significant operation as part of a 2-month project conducted under the coordination of the Gebze Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, targeting human trafficking and prostitution crimes. As a result of efforts aimed at preventing prostitution, curbing the spread of venereal diseases, rescuing women forced into prostitution, and dismantling criminal organizations, simultaneous operations were conducted in Kocaeli, Istanbul, Bursa, and Van.

18 victimized women rescued, 21 suspects apprehended

In the operation carried out on June 23, 18 suspects alleged to have committed crimes including human trafficking, establishing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes, and encouraging, mediating, and providing space for prostitution were detained. During the operation, 15 women—3 Turkish and 12 foreign nationals—who were determined to have been forced into prostitution were rescued.

Within the scope of interviews with the suspects and the ongoing investigation, 3 more suspects linked to the criminal organization were identified.

These individuals were also apprehended in a second operation conducted on June 24, and 3 more victimized women were rescued from the organization's control. Thus, the number of rescued victims rose to 18, and the number of detained suspects rose to 21.

Following their procedures at the police station, the 21 suspects were referred to the Gebze Chief Public Prosecutor's Office today; 7 were released under judicial control conditions, while 14 suspects were arrested by the court they were brought before.

Weapons and digital materials seized

Searches conducted at the suspects' addresses resulted in the seizure of an unlicensed blank-firing pistol, 2 unlicensed non-rifled shotguns, 25 shotgun cartridges, an accounting ledger related to prostitution activities, various documents, and numerous digital materials.