'Hats' crime ring busted: 24 suspects, including 4 lawyers, sent to court

An operation targeting the "Şapkalılar" (Hats) organized crime group has led to the arrest of 24 suspects in Turkey. The investigation, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, extended to multiple provinces including Diyarbakır, Erzurum, Tekirdağ, and Muş.

Authorities identified the suspects as members of the "Şapkalılar" crime syndicate. Their alleged activities include extortion, threats, and a range of violent crimes such as shootings, robberies, and attempted murders. The Istanbul Police Department's Robbery Branch led the investigation into the group's criminal activities.

Among those apprehended are four lawyers, two of whom are women. These legal professionals are suspected of advising arrested hitmen to withhold information regarding the identities of the organization's leaders during interrogations. The arrested individuals also include logistics personnel responsible for supplying motorcycles and weapons, as well as members who provided financial support to the group.

Following the completion of their procedures at the police station, all 24 suspects have been transferred to the courthouse for further legal proceedings.