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Sunday, 11 October 2026dailybeirut.com
World
Turkish authorities detained 106 suspects and jailed 73, including alleged leader Tolga Hoşgökdelen, following a 16-month investigation into the "Yıkamacılar" armed criminal organization.
A sweeping law enforcement operation targeting the "Yıkamacılar" armed criminal organization resulted in the detention of 106 suspects across 11 provinces. Among those taken into custody was Tolga Hoşgökdelen, identified as the alleged head of the syndicate. Following judicial proceedings, 73 individuals were remanded in custody, while 33 others were released under judicial control conditions.
The coordinated action involved simultaneous police entries at 120 distinct addresses. These locations were situated in Adana, which served as the operational hub, along with Mersin, Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Düzce, Balıkesir, Karabük, Bolu, Sakarya, and Afyonkarahisar. The raids took place on October 6, concluding a prolonged investigative phase managed by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Authorities conducted technical and physical surveillance on the suspects for a period of 16 months prior to the arrests. This monitoring effort allowed investigators to identify 117 individuals linked to an estimated 32 separate incidents. The probe focused on dismantling the network's operational structure and financial flows.
Prosecutors allege that the group engaged in a range of serious offenses. These charges include establishing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes, attempted intentional murder, intentional injury, drug trafficking intended to finance the organization, armed threats, damage to property, and qualified robbery. The evidence gathered during the surveillance period formed the basis for these accusations.
Searches conducted at the suspects' residences yielded significant quantities of illicit materials. Police recovered 14 unlicensed handguns, 4 unlicensed shotguns, 402 rounds of ammunition, and 3 bulletproof vests. Narcotics seized included 390 cannabis plants, 1,403 drug pills, 479.67 grams of hashish, 347.3 grams of bonzai, 3.2 grams of amphetamine, and 1.2 grams of other substances.
In addition to physical contraband, authorities confiscated assets believed to have been acquired through criminal proceeds. The seizure list includes two real estate properties and 12 vehicles. These actions aim to disrupt the economic infrastructure supporting the criminal enterprise.
