35 victim women rescued, 14 suspects detained in operation in Antalya and Adana

In the provinces of Antalya and Adana, a very comprehensive operation was carried out against an organized crime organization involved in serious crimes such as encouraging, mediating, and forcing prostitution. Planned and executed simultaneously in two different provinces, this operation was implemented as a result of security forces' intensive and detailed tracking work lasting approximately three months. Through the planning, the communication and movement style of the criminal organization were decoded, ensuring the immediate effectiveness of the operation. Within the scope of the operation, which continued from time to time increasing and included a large number of suspects, heavy blows were dealt to the activity areas and centralized structures used by the network.

Evidence obtained during the technical and physical tracking stages of the operation clearly revealed that the suspects acted in an organized manner and kept the victims under systematic pressure. In the examinations conducted by the police units, intelligence information was also obtained that the human trafficking network of the criminal organization was not limited to just two provinces but spread to a wider network. The aforementioned accusations cover articles such as 'Encouraging and Mediating Prostitution' and 'Incitement by Force, Deception and Threatening' found in the Turkish Penal Code. Due to the nature of these crimes, the legal dimension of the incident was taken quite seriously and an investigation process was conducted with meticulous care. The studies carried out under the coordination of the prosecutor's office focused on fully revealing the material and spiritual elements of the crime.

During the raids and search operations, 35 victim women who were determined to be under the control of the criminal organization were found and rescued by the security forces. While some of these women were kept under physical and psychological pressure, it was understood that some had their freedom of travel restricted and were economically exploited. The rescued victims were taken under protection within the framework of necessary protocols for health checks and the safety of their interrogations. It was stated that social assistance organizations were contacted for the rehabilitation processes and psychological support needs of the victims, and necessary steps were taken to reintegrate them into society. The statements of the victims are of critical importance in making the legal dimension of the operation concrete and finding the suspects guilty.

Within the scope of the operation, 18 suspects against whom action was taken were detained and referred to the judicial authorities after the questioning procedures at the police units were completed. 14 of the suspects were arrested by the court they were brought to and placed in prison on grounds such as the nature of the crimes, the weight of the evidence, and suspicion of flight. It is alleged that the detained suspects were people in the upper echelons of the organization and directly managed the activities and organized the actions against the victims. It was learned that other suspects were released under judicial control conditions or that their statement processes were continuing. In order to deepen the investigation, examinations continue on the financial resources of the organization and other accomplices.

This simultaneous operation is considered only a part of the struggle against human trafficking and organized crime activities in the region. Officials stated that work on other networks involved in similar crimes is continuing and new operations can be carried out when necessary evidence is obtained. It was emphasized that the determination of the security forces continues to reduce crime rates by protecting the general safety of the society and the basic rights of individuals. The importance of citizens reporting to the authorities when they encounter people subjected to such situations or suspicious situations was reminded once again. It was noted that the legal process regarding the operations will be followed and the necessary actions will be carried out without omission for justice to be served.