Under the coordination of the Hatay Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a large-scale operation was carried out by Hatay Police Department teams on February 17 within the scope of "Bribery" and the "Anti-Smuggling Law No. 5607." Simultaneous raids were conducted in Istanbul, Antalya, Adana, Mersin, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, and Kilis as part of the Hatay-centered operation. While proceedings were initiated against 46 suspects, 44 people were detained. It was determined that two suspects were abroad.
MONEY AND WEAPONS SEIZED DURING SEARCHES
During searches conducted at the homes and workplaces of the suspects, 41 mobile phones were seized for examination. Additionally, 76,985 dollars, 52,130 euros, 87,310 liras, 3,100 Saudi riyals, an unlicensed pistol, cartridges for long-barreled weapons, a rifle, and a large amount of ammunition were seized.
26 SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Of the 36 suspects referred to the courthouse on February 20, 26 were arrested by the court. 10 people were released under judicial control conditions.
THEY ESTABLISHED ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION AND RAISED PRICES EVERY YEAR
As a result of technical and physical surveillance by police teams, details regarding the organization's operations came to light. It was determined that the suspects communicated via encrypted internet-based applications and phone calls, increased customs crossing fees at the beginning of each year, and accumulated the bribes they collected by hand in a common pool. It was found that the collected money was distributed at the end of the month. The lavish lifestyle maintained by the suspects through high expenditures also drew attention.
IRREGULAR CROSSINGS AT CUSTOMS
Within the scope of the investigation, it was determined that the bribes were taken to allow products that should have been sent for analysis to pass without processing, to ignore cargo that did not match the documents, and to ensure the exit of risky vehicles by making it appear as if they had been inspected.
News Source: İHA
