Nationwide Operation Targets Social Media Gang Propaganda: 325 Suspects Detained
Ankara, January 15 – Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 325 suspects have been apprehended in a nationwide operation targeting individuals who glorify criminal organizations and share armed content on social media. The operations were conducted across the country, focusing on those making posts that praise crime and criminals, issue threats, use insulting language, spread organizational propaganda, announce organizational activities, and attempt to transfer animosity and rivalry between criminal organizations to social media platforms.
Details of the Operation
Minister Yerlikaya shared details of the police operations on his social media account. The comprehensive crackdown identified numerous individuals actively using social media to support and promote illegal activities. These individuals were found to be engaged in:
- Glorifying crime and criminals.
- Making threats and using insulting language.
- Spreading propaganda for criminal organizations.
- Announcing and coordinating organizational activities.
- Fueling rivalries and animosities between criminal groups online.
The operation successfully led to the capture of 325 suspects across various provinces.
Seized Weapons and Equipment
During the raids conducted as part of this extensive operation, law enforcement officers seized a significant amount of illegal weaponry. The items confiscated include:
- 41 unlicensed pistols.
- 36 hunting rifles.
- 25 blank pistols converted into firearms.
- 1 AK-47 rifle.
The seizure of such a diverse array of weapons underscores the serious nature of the activities undertaken by these criminal elements and their online presence.
Government’s Stance on Combating Organized Crime
The Turkish government has reiterated its commitment to combating organized crime, both in physical and digital spaces. This operation highlights the increasing focus on monitoring and intercepting criminal activities that leverage social media for propaganda, recruitment, and coordination. Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that such operations will continue to ensure public safety and dismantle criminal networks.
The authorities are also investigating the extent to which these online activities translate into real-world criminal acts and how they contribute to the overall landscape of organized crime in Turkey. The successful apprehension of 325 suspects is a significant step in disrupting these networks and preventing further criminal behavior facilitated through digital platforms.
The operation serves as a warning to individuals who use social media to promote illegal activities, reinforcing the message that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring and taking action against such content. The focus remains on maintaining peace and order by targeting the digital footprint of criminal organizations.
