Massive crackdown on migrant smuggling in Türkiye nets 19 organizers, 173 migrants

Turkish authorities have arrested 19 organizers of migrant smuggling and detained 173 irregular migrants in a robust operation named KALKAN-16.

Centered in Mugla and Bursa, this operation stretched across six provinces.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared the operation's success, stressing the country's unwavering fight against irregular migration. 

"Our operations to prevent irregular migration and migrant smuggling will continue determinedly in every region of our country," the minister said.

The Presidency of Migration Management efficiently coordinated the operation along with the General Directorate of Security's Department of Combating Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates.

Yerlikaya notably acknowledged the vital contributions of the Mugla and Bursa Provincial Security Directorates in this significant effort.

Authorities arrested 15 organizers, detained 7, placed two under judicial control, and initiated legal processes for the rest in the Mugla-based operation, spanning Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin and Gaziantep.

In Bursa, simultaneous operations at 6 locations resulted in four more arrests, with legal proceedings underway.

This extensive operation also resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of Turkish Lira and various digital materials.

Yerlikaya expressed his gratitude to the police and the Migration Management Directorate staff, saying: "I congratulate our heroic police officers and the staff of our Presidency of Migration Management."

These arrests and detentions are in line with Türkiye's determined efforts to combat irregular migration and human smuggling.

Source: Newsroom