“Ailem Güvende” Operation Conducted Across 15 Provinces
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that judicial procedures had been carried out against 162 individuals, nine associations and 13 businesses as part of the nationwide “Ailem Güvende” – “My Family Is Safe” – operations. The investigations were coordinated from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydın and Mersin and extended to a total of 15 provinces.
The operations focus on protecting children, families and public order within the framework of the 2026-2035 Family and Population Decade vision and Presidential Circular No. 2026/4. Authorities stated that the investigations targeted alleged prostitution networks, establishments suspected of facilitating such activities, the production and distribution of obscene content, and practices that could expose children to inappropriate material.
Simultaneous searches and detentions
According to the statement, investigations were conducted using confidential investigators, technical and physical surveillance, witness statements, digital examinations and video recordings. These efforts led to simultaneous detention, search and seizure procedures at multiple locations.
During the operations, narcotics and a large quantity of digital evidence were seized. Authorities also imposed access-blocking measures on numerous social media accounts and websites allegedly linked to the investigation. Officials emphasized that the procedures were conducted under the supervision of the relevant public prosecutors’ offices and in coordination with police and gendarmerie units.
The financial dimension of the investigation is also being examined. An analysis by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board reportedly found that certain associations had received substantial transfers from public bodies abroad and foreign organizations. Investigators are working to determine the origin of these funds and whether they are connected to the activities under investigation.
Istanbul-centered investigation covered 12 provinces
A separate operation led by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command and the Organized Crime and Cybercrime units of the Istanbul Police Department was carried out on the instructions of the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation relied on technical surveillance, physical monitoring, witness accounts and reports submitted to authorities.
The case involves allegations including establishing an organization for criminal purposes, prostitution, obscenity, and possessing or purchasing narcotics for personal use. Investigators carried out procedures at 38 addresses targeting 38 suspects in an operation centered in Istanbul and extending to 12 provinces. Searches and seizure operations were also conducted at 54 locations, including 10 businesses and six associations operating in Istanbul.
The suspects subject to action were distributed across several provinces: 20 in Istanbul, four in Ankara, three in Çanakkale, two each in Izmir and Antalya, and one each in Ordu, Elazığ, Balıkesir, Aydın, Kırşehir, Iğdır and Hatay.
Drugs, illegal alcohol and digital devices seized
The searches resulted in the seizure of approximately 25 grams of powdered and pill-form narcotic or stimulant substances, 10 grams of cocaine, nine grams of cannabis and 10 synthetic pills believed to contain narcotics. Seven syringes and needles were also found.
In addition, officials seized 2,000 bottles of illegal alcohol, an unlicensed firearm, five recording devices and 26 mobile phones. The digital equipment is expected to be examined as part of the wider investigation, particularly in relation to communications, online content and alleged connections between suspects.
Twenty-six suspects were detained during the operation. Authorities continue efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining individuals named in the investigation. One business was sealed after inspectors determined that it was operating outside the scope of its official license.
Authorities promise continued action
Minister Gürlek said the state would not tolerate criminal organizations, exploitation networks or illegal activities targeting children, young people and families. He also thanked the prosecutors, police officers, gendarmerie personnel and other public officials involved in the investigations.
The minister’s statement underlined that the operations are part of a broader policy aimed at safeguarding children and strengthening family protection mechanisms. However, the allegations remain subject to judicial review, and the legal status of each suspect will be determined through the ongoing court process.
Investigators are expected to examine seized phones, computers, surveillance recordings and financial records in detail. Digital evidence may help establish communication links, identify possible organizers and determine whether separate businesses or associations were used to support unlawful activities.
The financial inquiry could also expand if investigators identify additional transfers, undisclosed funding channels or links between domestic entities and foreign organizations. Such examinations are generally intended to clarify whether funds were used for legitimate institutional purposes or for activities connected to the allegations.
The investigation may lead to further arrests, additional searches or new judicial measures if evidence discovered during the analysis points to other suspects. Authorities have not announced that the case has been concluded, stressing that inquiries are continuing in all aspects.
Officials also reminded the public that child protection requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies, families, educational institutions and digital platforms. Reporting suspicious activity and preventing children from being exposed to harmful content are considered important elements of this approach.
As the investigation progresses, prosecutors are expected to evaluate the evidence separately for each suspect, business and association. Decisions regarding detention, judicial control, prosecution or release will depend on the evidence collected and the assessments made by the courts.