Major Loan Sharking Crime Syndicate Dismantled in Balıkesir
According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya’s statement, a significant operation named “KUYU-12” was conducted in Balıkesir, resulting in the dismantling of a major loan sharking crime syndicate led by Cemil Ay and Ali Ay. The operation, which involved a coordinated effort between the Ayvalık Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the General Command of the Gendarmerie, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), and the Balıkesir Gendarmerie Provincial Commanding Office, saw the arrest of 43 suspects. Out of these, 27 have been detained, and 2 are under judicial supervision, while the processing of other suspects is ongoing.
Authorities confiscated assets worth approximately 1.2 billion TL, which were determined to have been acquired illicitly. The operation was bolstered by the Aydın Gendarmerie Tactical UAV Command.
The crime syndicate’s activities included:
- Lending money at high interest rates
- Interest-based transactions through vehicle sale contracts
- Extortion and pain infliction
- Detainment through indebtedness
- Threats, violence with firearms
- Forgery
- Theft and robbery
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the profits from these crimes were being laundered through parking lots, car dealerships, and jewelry stores.
Seized items during the operation included:
- Unlicensed handguns
- Unlicensed shotguns
- Various quantities of narcotics
- Numerous promissory notes, checks, and gold
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized the government’s commitment to combating organized crime, stating:
“We will show no mercy to those who disrupt the peace of our people, to organized crime syndicates and loan sharks. No matter their size, we will dismantle these organizations and bring them to justice.”
Minister Yerlikaya praised the efforts of the Ayvalık Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, MASAK, and the brave gendarmerie, expressing his gratitude by saying, “May God protect you from harm. The prayers of our nation are with you.”
Balıkesir’s “KUYU-12” operation marks a significant victory against organized crime, with the apprehension of 43 suspects, including the leaders Cemil Ay and Ali Ay.