Drug and money laundering operation in 10 provinces centered in Istanbul: Hundreds of properties and companies seized

Teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Narcotics Crimes Investigation Branch conducted a large-scale money laundering and drug operation as part of an investigation coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Following reports from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and information and document sharing with Europol member countries, findings were reached regarding the crimes of "establishing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes," "importing narcotic substances," and "laundering assets derived from crime."

In this context, a simultaneous operation was launched this morning to apprehend suspects identified as being linked to national and international criminal networks involved in these crimes. 10 suspects were taken into custody during raids on addresses identified in Istanbul, as well as in the provinces of Hakkari, Ankara, Bursa, İzmir, Hatay, Mersin, Van, Diyarbakır, and Mardin.

Within the scope of the investigation, 135 properties, 47 motor vehicles, 1 commercial vehicle license plate, and 42 company partnership shares were seized. As a result of technical and physical surveillance, it was determined that the suspects were linked to a total of 10 tons and 250 kilograms of narcotics seized on different dates both internationally and across Turkey.

While the detained suspects were taken to the Istanbul Narcotics Crimes Investigation Branch for questioning, it was stated that the investigation could be deepened and the number of detentions could increase.