Turkish authorities have issued detention warrants for 28 suspects as part of a large-scale smuggling investigation spanning multiple provinces, prosecutors said Wednesday.
According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the suspects are accused of operating an organized smuggling network that allegedly brought various goods into Türkiye without fully paying customs duties and inspection taxes.
Investigators said the group imported products using containers, cargo ships and foreign-flagged yachts, allegedly bypassing customs regulations through fraudulent methods.
Among the allegations is the manipulation of Customs Tariff Statistics Position (GTIP) codes to evade TAREKS inspections, which are designed to screen imported goods for compliance with health and safety standards. Prosecutors said cosmetics and toys were imported under altered classifications to avoid controls targeting prohibited chemicals that may pose health risks.
Authorities also alleged that electronic cigarettes, tobacco products and cigars were smuggled into the country through hidden compartments known as "zulas."
