'Newborn Gang' Case Enters Ninth Hearing Amidst Fraud and Negligence Allegations

The ninth hearing in the "Newborn Gang" case, which alleges a criminal organization exploited emergency medical services for profit, commenced Tuesday at the Bakırköy 22nd High Criminal Court. The trial centers on accusations that certain individuals working with the 112 Emergency Call Center colluded with private hospitals.

Prosecutors claim that emergency babies were deliberately rerouted to neonatal intensive care units in pre-arranged private hospitals. The indictment details how the health status and treatment processes of these infants were allegedly manipulated to secure higher payments from the Social Security Institution, resulting in unjust enrichment for the involved parties. Tragically, some infants reportedly died due to negligent care within this scheme.

Initially, the investigation led to charges against 47 defendants, with 21 suspects held responsible for infant deaths. Subsequent investigations and additional indictments have since been merged with the main case, increasing the number of defendants. Forensic reports from the Medical Examiner's Office regarding the deceased infants have been submitted to the court.

During previous hearings, the court evaluated the detention status of the defendants. In an interim decision on March 26, 2026, the court ruled to continue the detention of the imprisoned defendants and postponed the hearing to July 10. The current hearing is proceeding with the statements of the defense attorneys.