Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office Detains 18 in 'Street Tax' Operation

Acting on orders from Istanbul's Chief Prosecutor's Office, the 'Safe Streets' operation conducted simultaneous raids in Istanbul and Kars; 18 of 26 suspects with arrest warrants were detained.

The operation targeted an organization that collects extortion payments from tradespeople and business owners under the guise of 'street tax,' shooting at or attacking the establishments and owners of those who refused to pay. Charges against the suspects include attempted murder, organized crime, aggravated robbery, and property damage.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated in a social media post that today's operation is part of a broader effort, announcing that legal proceedings have been initiated against a total of 2,447 suspects this year.

The 'street tax' pressure in Istanbul has not come to light for the first time with this operation: in 2024, similar waves of detentions occurred over extortion allegations, though the organization was reported to have continued its activities. Eight individuals remain at large.