34 Detained in Mahzen Operation Across 8 Provinces, Centered in Batman
Organized crime group members caught in wide-spanning operations
A major victory was achieved in the fight against organized crime in Turkey as a result of the joint efforts of the Batman Provincial Gendarmerie Command, Batman Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Gendarmerie General Command’s Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Department, and the Cyber Crimes Department.
In a series of simultaneous operations, known as “Mahzen-30”, conducted in various provinces including Van, Mardin, and Izmir, 34 suspects were apprehended. Among the apprehended individuals was Yonca Onat, a key member of an organized crime group operating under the leadership of the fugitive Doğan Güney.
The organized crime group members were involved in a large-scale fraud scheme where they deceived 18,635 citizens by advertising fake bungalow houses for rent. Using social media platforms, the suspects posted fraudulent rental advertisements and subsequently transferred the money received from victims to various accounts to cover their tracks.
In a coordinated effort with MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board), authorities were able to seize 1,283 bank accounts linked to the suspects, containing a total transaction volume of 34 million 530 thousand liras. These funds were suspected to be proceeds from criminal activities and were being laundered through various means.
Minister Yerlikaya praised the diligent efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in the operations, emphasizing the commitment to dismantling organized crime groups and ensuring that they face justice. The successful outcome of the operations serves as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the authorities in combating criminal activities that harm the public.
The latest operations highlight the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of the citizens, while sending a strong message to those involved in illegal activities that they will be held accountable for their actions.
