Minister Gürlek announced that the bank accounts, safe-deposit boxes and crypto assets of 818 suspects had been seized as part of financial investigations into four new-generation criminal organizations conducted by the Organized Crime Investigation Bureau of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
In his statement, Gürlek said the fight against organized crime was targeting not only its operatives in the field but also the financial resources that sustain these structures.
Circular sent to 81 provinces
Gürlek recalled that a circular titled “Combating Organized Crime Organizations” had been sent on June 22 to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices at 175 High Criminal Courts across 81 provinces.
Gürlek said financial investigations had gained importance under the comprehensive approach set out in the circular, adding that efforts by criminal organizations to conceal or launder their proceeds through crypto assets, illegal betting, gambling and similar methods were being monitored.
Focus on organizations’ financial resources
Gürlek said the financial resources of criminal organizations would be targeted alongside their human resources. He added that work would continue to address different elements of these structures, from street-level hitmen to organization leaders, instigators and financiers, and from bank accounts to crypto assets.
Gürlek said no tolerance would be shown to structures that seek to recruit children and young people into criminal organizations, threaten tradespeople and citizens, or gain power through criminal proceeds. He announced that financial investigations would be used in this effort.