Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi has stated that the government intends to make most crime organizations unable to take action by the end of the year. Speaking at a program organized by the Eurasia Strategic Research Foundation (ASAV), Çiftçi identified fighting drugs and new-generation organized crime as his two primary goals since taking office.
The ASAV program was attended by academics, bureaucrats, media members, representatives of non-governmental organizations, business people, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Minister of Transport Erhan Arıklı.
Çiftçi noted that there has been a decrease in the number of crime organizations due to the efforts of the police, gendarmerie, judiciary, and the Turkish Ministry of Justice. He stated that 11 crime organizations currently operate on a national scale throughout Turkey, but noted that most of these have been liquidated and that their numbers are decreasing.
Adana operation and international activities
The Minister referenced a large-scale operation carried out in April against a new-generation crime organization in Adana, Turkey. In that operation, approximately 300 suspects were arrested. Çiftçi stated the targeted organization was collapsed and completely liquidated. It was determined that the organization had sent three people to Adana to carry out an action against a public institution in retaliation for the operation.
Arrested during the April operation against a crime organization in Adana, Turkey.
Çiftçi stated that some new-generation crime organizations operate alongside intelligence organizations in foreign countries. He said these structures carry out actions abroad, such as shooting workplaces and burning vehicles, which affect Turkish citizens living in other countries.
The fight against crime organizations will continue wherever they are, both within Turkey and abroad.
Regarding the state's capacity to manage these groups, Çiftçi remarked that what happened to them will happen to the others by the end of the year.
The Interior Minister also detailed the scope of his ministry, which includes ensuring life and property security, fighting crime, directing migration policies, and managing disaster response before, during, and after occurrences.
