A large-scale police operation has shaken Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar) – one of Istanbul's largest and most historic markets, where, as part of an investigation into illegal trade in valuables, items of historical value totaling over 26 million euros were seized. The raid, conducted by Turkish police, is part of a wider investigation that has already led to arrests and significant confiscations.
The operation, reported by the Demirören (DHA) agency and cited by BTA, focused on 23 commercial establishments located in the heart of the bustling market. The atmosphere of the historic bazaar, known for its labyrinthine streets, lively merchants, and centuries of history, was disturbed by police teams who entered shops known for their trade in jewelry and antiques. Dozens of passersby and traders watched the unfolding operation with tension.
Seized Valuables and Antiques
During the searches, diamonds, precious stones, jewelry, and antiques were confiscated. According to official data, their market value is estimated at approximately 1.25 billion Turkish Lira, which is equivalent to about 26.3 million euros.
As part of the same investigation, other specialized operations were conducted earlier. In one of them, Turkish police managed to seize over 155 kilograms of precious stones, including diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Additionally, nearly a thousand pieces of jewelry were confiscated, which highlights the scale of the illegal network. These early successes led to the detention of over thirty individuals, whose testimonies were key to expanding the investigation and reaching new targets of the criminal activity.
The culmination of the investigation so far is the latest raid in Kapalıçarşı, where another 40 suspects were detained. Authorities continue their work on the case to clarify all the details surrounding this complex scheme of smuggling and illegal trade, which has caused serious financial damage. The investigation is likely to continue to establish any international connections of the criminal network.