New generation criminal organizations... 'Bowl-cut' gangs! Murat Övüç also included in the indictment

Recently, the activities of new-generation criminal organizations in Turkey conducted via social media have drawn attention. Social media platforms used by influencers, in particular, are paving the way for gangs to target young people. It is noted that gangs are using youths between the ages of 15 and 18 as 'low-risk, high-return' operatives, and that social media has become a tool for the criminal underworld.

CHILDREN OF POOR FAMILIES ARE THE TARGET

Gangs trap children from poor families with promises of easy wealth. Young people, deceived by the displays of luxury on social media, find it difficult to resist joining these networks. Gangs capture the attention of youth with the powerful image they cultivate on social media and incorporate them into their criminal networks.

15-18 AGE GROUP PREFERRED

Gangs prefer youths between the ages of 15 and 18 because criminal penalties for this age group are lower. This demographic is described as the 'most easily molded' and 'easily manipulated' group. Young people are often used in crimes such as transporting drugs by motorcycle, acting as lookouts, and even shootings. Gangs view this age group as a 'low-risk, high-return' labor force.

Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram are generally used to reach young people. One such gang in Turkey is known as the 'Taşlar' (The Stones) criminal organization, which was dismantled in Istanbul. It is stated that contact with youth is made via social media, and that footage of violence and threats are shared on these platforms.

CONFLICT FOOTAGE BROADCAST LIVE

According to a report by Türkiye newspaper, the indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office includes information that gangs broadcast their clashes with other criminal organizations live. These conflicts are turned into a spectacle and presented for viewing on social media.

MURAT ÖVÜÇ'S NAME ALSO IN THE INDICTMENT

Finally, the name of social media personality Murat Övüç was mentioned among the gang's activities. The indictment includes information that gang members wanted to kill Övüç and that his workplaces were looted. Övüç was identified as one of the victims targeted by the criminal organization.

Gangs are also negotiating for hitmen over the internet. For instance, the negotiations conducted by the 'Casper' gang on social media to procure hitmen are noteworthy. Furthermore, threat messages and violent videos are among the posts shared by gang members on social media.

HAIRSTYLES GIVE AWAY GANG MEMBERS

Gangs also draw attention with their specific hairstyles and sharp beard styles. The bowl cut stands out as one of the most prominent images of gang members. This hairstyle has become a symbol of gang culture. It is known that gang leaders also use this hairstyle.

BOWL CUTS BANNED IN EL SALVADOR

On the other hand, authorities in El Salvador banned the bowl cut in August. The country decided to ban the bowl cut on the streets, stating that this style of haircut is associated with 'gangster culture'.