Immigrant smuggling operation in Türkiye and France: 14 detained

14 suspects, members of a criminal organization operating in Türkiye, Greece and France, who were found to help illegal immigrants pass to European countries via Turkey, were caught in an operation coordinated with the French authorities.

During the operation, 6.4 kilograms of gold, 162 thousand Euros, 81 thousand dollars and 386 thousand liras were seized.

Istanbul police Anti-Immigrant Smuggling and Border Crossings Branch Directorate and Intelligence Branch Directorate teams started working against the criminal organization that organizes the passage of illegal immigrants to European countries via Turkey.

In the studies carried out in coordination with the French authorities, it was determined that the Turkish structure of the organization organized the transportation and logistics activities of immigrants and that there were people affiliated with FETO within the organization.

As a result of the communication detection, physical follow-up, PTS examinations and financial analysis carried out by the police teams, it was determined that the suspects took an active role in immigrant referral organizations.

It was also determined that the suspects were involved in the collection and transfer of proceeds from crime. Following the work, the teams organized simultaneous operations in 3 provinces, including Istanbul, and France today.

While 14 suspects were detained during the operation, a large number of digital materials were seized. During the investigation into assets considered to have been obtained from crime, 6.4 kilograms of gold, 162 thousand Euros, 81 thousand dollars and 386 thousand liras were seized.