“Simultaneous Operations in 15 Provinces Results in Detention of 54 Suspects: Latest News from Turkey”
Turkish authorities have announced the detention of 24 individuals suspected of being members of the PKK/KCK and FETO terrorist organizations. According to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects were caught under two separate investigations.
The first investigation targeted 49 suspects believed to be operating in line with the objectives of the PKK/KCK’s “Independent United Kurdistan” agenda. Evidence obtained from the statements of members of the groups, financial analysis reports, and monitoring with technical means revealed that money obtained from terrorist activities abroad was distributed to members and their families who were dismissed from public service due to their membership in the organizations. The money was transferred either by hand or through ATMs by cardless transactions.
In the second investigation, authorities targeted companies that had been operating in line with the interests of the FETO organization and its terrorist financing activities. Five people were wanted in connection with the investigation, including owners and courier personnel. Along with the individuals, authorities also issued detention warrants for four companies. During the searches, police found and seized €3,700, $2,600, and TL 13,000 in cash, as well as several organizational notes and digital materials.
In total, 54 individuals had been issued with detention warrants across 15 provinces. Twenty of the 49 suspects believed to be linked to the PKK/KCK were caught during the operations. The suspects targeted in the investigation were found to have strong ties to various political entities, including the HDP Istanbul Board, PM, and the DBP commission and PM.
Turkey has been cracking down on terrorist organizations in recent years, with a particular focus on the PKK/KCK and FETO. The operations come as Turkey continues to face security challenges in the region, including from Kurdish separatists and Islamic State militants.
