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Turkey’s Nationwide Crackdown on the ‘Yıkamacılar’ Crime Network Yields 73 Arrests

A coordinated police strike across eleven provinces detained over a hundred suspects, seized firearms and more than a thousand narcotic pills, and led to dozens of arrests after a sixteen‑month investigation.

Turkey’s Nationwide Crackdown on the ‘Yıkamacılar’ Crime Network Yields 73 Arrests
Author
Democracy News Live Desk
Date
11 Oct 2026
Read
2 min
Operation Launches on October 6, 2026

On 2026-10-06, police carried out a coordinated strike against the armed criminal group known as Yıkamacılar. The move came after a lengthy investigative period and targeted what authorities described as a critical threat.

Coverage
Reach Across Eleven Provinces

The operation was not confined to a single city. Officials said it stretched across eleven provinces, naming Adana, Mersin and Istanbul among those involved. This geographic spread showed the network’s ability to operate in multiple regions.

A Sixteen‑Month Inquiry

Prior to the raids, investigators had been gathering evidence for sixteen months. The sixteen‑month investigation focused on collecting evidence of the group's illegal activities.

Among the items recovered were fourteen unlicensed pistols, four rifles and a quantity of narcotics.

Detentions and Arrests

Police detained a total of 106 individuals during the sweep. Of those, 73 were formally arrested and taken into custody, while the remainder were dealt with through other measures.

Weapons and Narcotics Seized

Among the items recovered were fourteen unlicensed pistols, four rifles and a quantity of narcotics. Authorities reported that 1,403 narcotic pills were confiscated, alongside the firearms and ammunition.

Judicial Follow‑Up

After the arrests, thirty‑three suspects were released under judicial control, meaning they remain subject to court‑ordered conditions. Eleven individuals named in the investigation are still at large and have not been apprehended.

Asset‑Seizure Request

In addition to the criminal charges, prosecutors have asked the courts to seize two properties and twelve vehicles that are believed to be linked to the Yıkamacılar organization. The request concerns two properties and twelve vehicles linked to the organization.

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