Operation against human traffickers in Istanbul: 8 individuals arrested

Istanbul police conducted an operation targeting human traffickers, resulting in the arrest of 8 individuals. The Istanbul Provincial Security Directorate's Anti-Human Trafficking and Border Gates Branch carried out an operation to identify addresses known as 'shock houses,' where irregular migrants are housed before being smuggled to European countries. During the operation at an address and a vehicle in Bagcilar Fatih neighborhood, 4 suspects were detained. 9 foreign nationals, who were under protection during the operation, were handed over to the Provincial Directorate of Migration. In further efforts, two businesses providing financial support for human trafficking and used as transfer offices were raided, leading to the capture of 8 additional suspects. A total of 389,995 euros, 191,740 dollars, 7,000 pounds, 480,290 Turkish lira, and digital materials believed to be proceeds from illegal activities were seized at the addresses. Following police procedures, 8 of the suspects were arrested by the court, while 4 were released.