Masked Robber Steals 3 Million Lira in Gold from Istanbul Jewelry Store
Istanbul, January 16 – A masked and armed suspect carried out a swift robbery at a jewelry store in Istanbul’s Bahçelievler district, making off with an estimated 3 million Turkish Lira worth of gold. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, January 15, 2026, around 6:30 PM, at a jewelry store located on Mahmutbey Street in the Kocasinan Merkez neighborhood. The entire robbery, which lasted approximately one minute, was recorded by the store’s security cameras.
The Robbery Unfolds
According to reports, the armed suspect entered the jewelry store while the owner was attending to another customer. The suspect immediately pointed a gun at the owner and demanded that gold and money be placed into a bag they were holding. In a mere 60 seconds, the robber collected gold valued at approximately 3 million Lira before fleeing the scene.
The security camera footage shows the suspect instructing the jeweler, “Fill it quickly, put cash in too,” while brandishing the weapon. The jeweler can be seen calmly complying with the demands, telling the suspect to “calm down” as they filled the bag with gold.
Police Launch Investigation
Following the incident, police teams were dispatched to the scene. An immediate investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect. Authorities are reviewing the security camera footage as part of their efforts to track down the individual responsible for the heist.
The brazen nature and speed of the robbery have raised concerns among local businesses. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by jewelers in the region regarding security measures.
Further details regarding the investigation are expected to be released as the police continue their work to bring the perpetrator to justice.
