Operation against the 'Dönmezler' criminal organization that extorted tradespeople! 12 people arrested

Within the scope of an investigation conducted by the Hatay Provincial Police Department, it was determined that the criminal organization named 'Dönmezler' was collecting debts through coercion, and was involved in extortion and property damage by threatening entertainment venues that refused to pay protection money.

Furthermore, it was established that the organization was also engaged in check and promissory note collection, loan sharking, and arms trafficking activities. The suspects were found to be involved in 11 separate crimes in this context.

In the previous stages of the investigation, 4 suspects, including the organization's leader and managers, were arrested and sent to prison. It was noted that of the 35 suspects identified as managers and members of the 'Dönmezler' criminal organization, 2 are abroad and 7 are currently in penal institutions.

A simultaneous operation was carried out in Hatay, Istanbul, and Kocaeli on February 2 at 06:30, with the participation of Special Operations police.

During the operations, 23 suspects were detained. Searches conducted at the suspects' homes and workplaces resulted in the seizure of 17 unlicensed pistols and their magazines, 91 cartridges, 2 unlicensed shotguns, 34 shotgun shells, 74 blank promissory notes, 1 written promissory note, 1 accounting ledger, 22 mobile phones, 1 computer, and 1 ID card belonging to another person.

Of the detained suspects, 16 were referred to the courthouse. While 4 of the suspects were released under judicial control conditions, 12 people were arrested and sent to prison. It was reported that the investigation is ongoing.

News Source: İHA