The Directorate of Anti-Smuggling Crimes of the Provincial Security Directorate conducted an operation in coordination with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office to prevent smuggling crimes and to combat those who violate the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
A total of 11 suspects believed to be involved in these crimes were put under technical and physical surveillance by the teams, who also worked in collaboration with the Turkish Banks Association and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) to determine the profits obtained from the crimes.
Authorities identified the identities and addresses of the suspects and conducted operations in 15 provinces across Turkey, between January 17 and April 29, resulting in the capture of 36 suspects.
During the searches conducted at the addresses, a total of 565 exotic animals, 18 animal products, 52 microchips and chip reading devices, 3,215 animal ID rings, and an unlicensed gun were seized.
Of the suspects captured in the operation, 27 were released after processing at the police station, while the remaining 9 suspects were referred to the court on April 29 for further legal proceedings.
