Former Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan speaks to 12punto: Will the operations launched by the Ministry of Interior against criminal organizations and gangs be successful?

12 PUNTO EXCLUSIVE

Republic of Turkey Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya's recent operations against mafia-style organized crime groups are on the public agenda. Citizens are expressing satisfaction with the operations they follow through both print and visual media.

As the operations continue at full speed, the extent to which criminal organizations and their activities have increased in our country can also be observed more clearly.

12punto.com.tr asked former Republic of Turkey Minister of Interior Saadettin Tantan about the operations led by Yerlikaya. Tantan expressed his support for Yerlikaya and stated that the process has eased the public conscience.

The minister currently in office is sharing the fight against organized crime groups with the public, which is a good start. For many years, while Turkey was falling under the control of organized crime and warlords, the fact that people with dirty relationships—known to the public both locally and politically—were brought to the forefront and seen posing for photos with politicians had wounded the public conscience.

How long do you think the operations will last?

"They will last until the warlords of organized crime are put on trial. Who are the warlords of organized crime? They are those who have seized the state, taken over all institutions, and provided an opening for the community under the influence of foreign intelligence services to govern, while the country should have been governed by law and justice; it will continue until these structures are put on trial."

Do you think the operations could be obstructed by political parties?

Since everyone is uncomfortable with these mafia-like structures, it is necessary to support and assist the work being done by the Minister of Interior, especially in terms of providing information to the minister. Because it is essential to clean up those structures in our region that come from uncontrolled forces and engage in all kinds of illegal activities to survive. Along with them, it is essential to send back immigrants and asylum seekers. In particular, these structures must be prevented from provoking, agitating, and spreading disinformation in Turkey.

It is absolutely necessary not to allow this. For example, we see those chanting "Turkish army to Gaza" in the courtyard of Fatih Mosque. In such organizations, we see that those who intend to tear Turkey apart from within have come together.

"THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BREATHE"

The Ministry of Interior's work based on gathering evidence and acting upon that evidence reveals the entire operating system and structure of illegal entities. Thus, they will never be able to breathe in Turkey again. They will not be able to engage in work that threatens the public and the interests of the country. It is necessary to increase the ability to work together, think operationally, and act decisively by taking into account the repetitive capabilities of intelligence agencies, law enforcement intelligence agencies, and security forces, and by conducting analyses.

News Source: 12punto