Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya announced the results of the operations against migrant smuggling organizers within the scope of “Kalkan-22” operations carried out in 14 provinces. These operations were carried out in coordination with the Directorate of Migration Management and the Directorate General of Security’s Department of Combating Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates.
- Kocaeli Based Operations:
- During the operations coordinated by Kocaeli Provincial Security Directorate, operations were carried out against migrant smuggling organizers in Kayseri, Manisa, Mersin, Eskişehir, Isparta, İstanbul and Uşak.
- In these operations, 25 migrant smuggling organizers were arrested and 25 of them were arrested. In addition, 86 irregular migrants were apprehended.
- Hatay Operation
- In the operation organized by Hatay Provincial Security Directorate, 7 migrant smuggling organizers were caught, 4 of them were arrested. The procedures of the other 3 organizers are ongoing.
- 106 irregular migrants were apprehended in this operation.
- Ankara Based Operations:
- In the operations organized in Ankara, Bursa, Adana, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa under the coordination of Ankara Provincial Security Directorate, 8 migrant smuggling organizers were arrested and all of them were arrested.
- Total Apprehensions:
- 40 migrant smuggling organizers were apprehended, 37 of them were arrested.
- Arrested irregular migrants were handed over to Provincial Directorates of Migration Management and deportation procedures were initiated.
- During the operations, 14 vehicles and a large amount of foreign currency were seized.
Minister Yerlikaya announced
In his statement on social media, Minister Yerlikaya emphasized determination in the fight against human trafficking: “We will never give an opportunity to human traffickers who try to turn our country into a target and transit route for irregular migration. Our determined operations in every region of our country will continue uninterruptedly.”
Yerlikaya congratulated the police officers who carried out the operations and the personnel of the Directorate of Migration Management and stated that the support and prayers of the nation are with them.
These comprehensive operations are part of the determined fight against migrant smuggling in Turkey. The “Kalkan-22” operations against migrant smuggling organizers are considered as an important step in the fight against irregular migration.
