Prostitution Operation in Malatya and 4 Provinces: 6 Arrests, Suspicion of Child Abuse

On 30 June 2026, a major blow was dealt against human trafficking and prostitution rings through a large-scale operation centered in Tunceli and covering five provinces. Simultaneous raids were conducted in Tunceli, Elazığ, Adıyaman, Bingöl, and Malatya, and a total of 6 suspects were taken into custody within the scope of the operation. Security forces rescued 9 female victims who were determined to have been forced into prostitution, and necessary procedures were initiated for their protection in coordination with relevant institutions. It was stated that the operation was not limited to these individuals and that the process continued regarding others suspected of being involved in or having knowledge of the incident. With the planning and execution, a major step was taken towards revealing and preventing the activities of crime organizations in the region.

In detailed searches conducted at the addresses, a large number of digital materials and economic values suspected of being criminal elements were seized. During the operation, 10 mobile phones, 1 laptop, 1 video cassette, 2 flash drives, 1 hard disk, and 1 POS device, along with various sexually explicit products and drugs, were found at the addresses where the suspects were located. Additionally, 7 thousand 360 lira in cash, believed to have been obtained from criminal activities, was confiscated for examination by the security forces. While these pieces of evidence are of great importance for documenting the activities of the criminal organization and strengthening the legal dimension of the operation, it was reported that the examination of digital materials was continuing meticulously. It was emphasized that the findings would be added to the file as important evidence to prove the suspects' guilt and ensure they receive heavy penalties.

Examinations within the scope of the investigation revealed that the incident was not limited to forcing women into prostitution but also involved much graver dimensions. In line with the technical evidence obtained and the statements of informants, it was determined that 3 children were also subjected to sexual abuse in the workplaces in question. This situation changed the course of the investigation and increased its sensitivity; officials announced to the public that judicial proceedings regarding the abuse suffered by the children had begun immediately and the matter was being followed with the utmost care. The involvement of child abuse shows that the operation has transformed from a criminal organization operation into a situation requiring urgent and comprehensive struggle in terms of children's rights and protection.

The 6 suspects, who were referred to the judiciary in light of the investigation conducted against them and the collected evidence, were arrested by the court and sent to prison. The arrest of all the suspects served as a reflection of the successful work of the police in the judicial dimension, and it was shared that the suspects were handed over to penal institutions. On the other hand, it was learned that the situation of 13 people whose statements were taken to obtain information within the scope of the operation and investigations into the depth of their connections with the criminal organization were ongoing. The arrest of these suspects creates a deterrent effect in the fight against other members of the organization and paves the way for the expansion of the investigation. The arrests demonstrate that the legal process is working and justice will be served for other suspects involved in similar crimes.

While the 9 rescued victims were taken under the state's protective shield, it was stated that this operation, covering 5 provinces including Malatya, was described as a major victory against human trafficking networks in the region. Officials stated that the examination of the seized digital materials continued and that the investigation could be further expanded in light of new findings to emerge, and new waves of detentions could be expected. This event proves that the fight against crime formations in the region will not end with just one operation, but such large-scale operations are effective in drying up the financial and logistical resources of organizations. The aim is to collapse all rings of this crime network and protect the rights of the victims by deepening the investigation.