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Authorities detained 35 suspects in a major operation targeting the illegal trade of precious stones smuggled into Türkiye, seizing diamonds, emeralds and other gemstones valued at ₺445 billion 750 million ($10.8B), prosecutors announced.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office coordinated simultaneous raids on 41 addresses, 21 businesses and 30 vehicles as part of an investigation into suspects who illegally imported, transported or knowingly purchased smuggled precious stones, diamonds and jewelry.
Authorities confiscated 155 kilograms 602 grams of precious stones including diamonds, quartz, emeralds and rubies, along with 945 pieces of jewelry determined to have been smuggled into Türkiye through illegal channels.
The prosecutor's office said the investigation focused on crimes including "establishing an organization for criminal purposes" and "providing place and opportunity for gambling," as well as violations of the Anti-Smuggling Law.
Technical and physical surveillance was conducted on 41 suspects identified as involved in bringing precious stones, diamonds and jewelry into Türkiye through illegal means, transporting them, or purchasing them despite knowing they were smuggled goods.
Tax inspectors assigned by the Treasury and Finance Ministry's Tax Inspection Board were present during the searches, according to the prosecutor's office statement.
The statement noted that numerous smuggled items were seized during the examinations, with detailed information about their types, quantities and market values to be shared with the public separately.
Of the 41 suspects targeted in the operation, 35 were detained during the raids conducted across Istanbul.
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