Operation targets two criminal groups in Istanbul, five arrested

Istanbul police have apprehended five individuals in connection with two organized crime groups suspected of involvement in violent incidents across the city. The operation, coordinated by the Intelligence Branch of the Istanbul Police Department, targeted groups believed responsible for a series of crimes.

Authorities identified the two criminal organizations after investigating their alleged involvement in five armed assaults and one arson incident. These incidents reportedly occurred between August 18 and August 24 in the Bayrampaşa, Pendik, Küçükçekmece, and Esenyurt districts of Istanbul.

During operations conducted on different dates, police arrested five suspects. A search of the suspects' residences yielded a significant cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, an automatic pistol, and 120 rounds of ammunition. The suspects are currently undergoing processing at the police department.