Istanbul Airport: Operation against touts leads to 21 arrests

Police in Istanbul have apprehended 21 individuals suspected of operating illegal transportation services at Istanbul Airport. The operation, coordinated by the Gaziosmanpaşa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, targeted those engaging in "hanutçuluk," a term referring to touting or soliciting for services.

These suspects are accused of offering unauthorized transport to both domestic and foreign travelers, thereby gaining illicit profits and fostering unfair competition against licensed companies. Many of the detained individuals had previously faced administrative sanctions for similar offenses.

During searches of the suspects' residences, law enforcement officials confiscated one unlicensed firearm, 50 rounds of ammunition, and 21 mobile phones. The individuals taken into custody will undergo further processing at the police headquarters before being transferred to the judiciary.