Major Operation in Istanbul, Blow to Organized Crime Organizations
A large-scale operation called “Well-23” was carried out in Istanbul against two separate organized crime organizations that were at odds with each other. According to the statement made by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on his social media account, 29 suspects were taken into custody in the operation carried out against these two organizations operating throughout the city as a result of the coordinated efforts of the Istanbul Provincial Police Department’s Anti-Organized Crime Branch Directorate and the General Directorate of Security’s Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Presidency.
Weapons and Materials Seized in “Well-23 Operation”
Various weapons and stolen goods belonging to the suspects were also seized within the scope of the operation. During the searches, 2 AK-47 long-barreled weapons, 9 unlicensed pistols, 3 stolen motorcycles, a car used in the protests, 1 stolen car, 4 ski masks, 2 bulletproof vests and many bullets were found. These weapons and materials were recorded as evidence on suspicion that they were used in various illegal activities carried out by criminal organizations throughout Istanbul.
The seized materials show that larger attacks planned by criminal organizations have been prevented. It was stated that stolen vehicles and weapons, in particular, play an important role in the organizations’ illegal activities.
Clashes and Deaths in Bahçelievler
These two organized crime organizations, which were the targets of the operation, also drew attention with the armed clashes and attacks that took place in the Bahçelievler district of Istanbul recently. It was determined that two people were injured in an armed clash that took place in Bahçelievler on August 27. Then, it was determined that organization member E.K. died and one person was injured in an armed attack carried out again in Bahçelievler on August 30.
Following these incidents, clashes between the organizations continued and on the same day, members of the criminal organization carried out an armed attack against other organization members in front of Bahçelievler State Hospital, injuring 5 people. Among the injured were a police officer, a gendarmerie personnel, a private security officer and 2 civilians. These incidents have revealed how dangerous the conflict between the two organizations has reached.
Operations Against Criminal Organizations Continue
Following this large-scale operation in Istanbul, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized that the fight against organized crime organizations will continue with determination. In his statement about the operation, Yerlikaya said, “I would like our dear nation to know that we will destroy organized crime organizations of any size and bring them to justice. I congratulate our heroic police officers who carried out the operation. May God not let you touch a stone. Our nation’s prayers are with you.”
Yerlikaya also shared images of the operation on his social media account. The devoted efforts of the police teams, who contributed greatly to the success of the operation, in the fight against criminal organizations have also been appreciated by the public.
The Importance of Combating Organized Crime
This operation carried out in Istanbul has once again revealed the seriousness of the threat posed by organized crime organizations to society. The illegal activities of these organizations pose a great danger not only to individuals but also to the general peace of society. Organized crimes are often associated with crimes such as drug trafficking, arms trafficking, blackmail and extortion, and the activities of such organizations undermine the sense of trust in society.
Such operations not only bring criminals to justice, but also have great importance in terms of ensuring the general security of society and breaking the influence of criminal organizations. The dismantling of criminal organizations allows for a decrease in illegal activities and for citizens to live in a safer environment.
Conclusion: A Major Blow to Criminal Organizations in Istanbul
The “Well-23” operation conducted in Istanbul was recorded as a successful intervention against two organized criminal organizations. This operation, in which 29 suspects were detained and a large number of weapons and stolen materials were seized, stands out as an important step taken in the fight against criminal organizations throughout Istanbul. As emphasized by Minister of the Interior Ali Yerlikaya, this fight against organized crime will continue with determination for the security of society and the provision of justice.
