Türkiye's 'Mahzen-13' ops dismantle 2 organized crime groups

Türkiye's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that two organized crime groups were dismantled and 25 suspects were arrested in the "Mahzen-13" operations conducted in three provinces centered around Izmir.

In a statement on his social media account, Minister Yerlikaya noted that simultaneous operations were carried out in Izmir, Mersin, and Van against organized crime groups by the Izmir Provincial Security Directorate, coordinated by the Directorate General of Security's Department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime.

Yerlikaya shared that two separate organized crime groups, led by Tahsim Aktas and Murat Hanaylioglu, were dismantled during the operations. He also stated that 25 suspects, including the leaders of the organized crime groups, were arrested.

"We want our dear country to know that, regardless of their size, we will not allow organized crime groups and gangs that disturb the peace of our families to breathe with the prayers and support of our people," Yerlikaya said.

It was determined that the suspects committed crimes, including establishing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime, attempting to take over entertainment venues using force and threats, shooting at businesses, forcing individuals to sign promissory notes under threat of armed violence, collecting money on behalf of third parties, engaging in arms trade, intentional injury, depriving individuals of their liberty, intentionally endangering public safety, and violating Law No. 6136 on Firearms and Other Tools.

During the operations, 16 unlicensed pistols, 2 fully automatic long-barreled firearms, 10 rifles, and various amounts of narcotics were seized.

Source: Newsroom