Turkish authorities have launched a large-scale operation against an international drug trafficking network accused of using encrypted communication technology to coordinate narcotics shipments and launder criminal proceeds.
According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on Friday, detention warrants were issued for 50 suspects identified as members of criminal organizations involved in the cross-border import and export of illegal drugs.
The investigation, conducted by the Bureau of Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering Crimes, uncovered the alleged activities through the analysis of communications exchanged on a specialized encrypted messaging platform.
Authorities said the application provided end-to-end encrypted messaging and operated on specially modified mobile phones designed to enhance secrecy. The devices reportedly had microphones, cameras and GPS functions disabled, making them difficult to monitor and track.
Investigators determined that members of the criminal networks used the platform to coordinate the movement of narcotics obtained from various countries. The drugs were allegedly transported both into Türkiye and to other international destinations.
