"Heist & Release": Robbers Clean Out Jewelry Store in Two Minutes, in Istanbul

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 3 March 2026)

   Candidates for "Most Efficient Thieves" of the month.

Five people broke into a jewelry store in the early hours of the morning, 

cut the lock, and stole gold worth 18 million lira in just two minutes (!)

before escaping.

The break-in occurred in Istanbul's Göktürk neighborhood of Eyüpsultan

district on the night of  February 26th. Five individuals approached a 

jewelry store, first lifting the shutters and then breaking the lock on the 

door. Entering the store, the suspects stole approximately 3 kilograms 

of 14-karat gold, approximately 200 grams of 18-karat gold, and 

approximately 150 grams of diamond jewelry, with a market value of 

18 million TL (about $410.000), within two minutes (!). 

One suspect, who had taken another bag full of gold from inside, was 

caught by a security guard while trying to escape. The security guard 

tried to stop the suspect as he attempted to flee. At that moment, the 

other suspects, seeing the security guard, also ran out of the jewelry 

store and escaped from the scene. The private security guard, realizing 

that a robbery was taking place, hurried to report it.

After the incident, upon receiving a notification from the alarm company, 

the business owner, Ertan Y. (34), connected to the cameras of his 

workplace via his mobile phone. When Ertan Y. watched the footage 

live, he saw the robbers stealing the gold from the jewelry store and 

escaping. Ertan Y. determined that approximately 18 million lira worth

of gold and diamonds had been stolen and went to the police to file a 

complaint. 

It was learned that in his statement to the police, Ertan Y. 

complained not only about the suspects but also about the alarm 

company, which he claimed sent the notification late. The police have 

launched an investigation to apprehend the attackers.

"Twirl & Release": Caught in Whirling Dervish Whirlpool and Mind-control, His Bank Account Vanished, in Istanbul

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 1 March 2026)

             How do they keep their balance anyway?!

Mehmet Emin Türker, who claims his mind was taken over by Enis 

Tığlı, who introduced himself as the head of a religious order within 

a foundation he joined to become a dervish, filed a criminal complaint. 

Türker stated, "I have been afflicted by this condition for 7 years. My 

family has ostracized me. I am involuntarily harming myself."

Türker (53), a retired mechanical draftsman working for a firm in 

Eyüpsultan, Istanbul, learned in 2019 through a friend that there was 

a Dervişhan Scientific Research and Mutual Aid Foundation and that 

Sufi training was given in this foundation. Allegedly influenced by 

his friend's conversations, Türker decided to become a dervish. 

Türker then received training on many religious topics. Having 

become familiar with religion through the foundation, Türker 

ascended to the Seyr-i Süluk stage (journey to God and loss in God). 

Allegedly, after reaching this stage, Mehmet Emin Türker's intellect 

was virtually taken over. Experiencing various pains and aches in 

his body, Türker began to feel as if he were constantly talking to 

other people.

One of them is going in the wrong direction...

Türker, who claims that his will was impaired and his mind taken 

over through psychological pressure and indoctrination after 

receiving Sufi training from Enis Tığlı, who introduced himself as 

a "sheikh" at the foundation, filed a criminal complaint with the 

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for "fraud." In the 

complaint, it is alleged that Enis Tığlı first exploited the spiritual 

feelings of the victim, Mehmet Emin Türker, then somehow bound 

him to himself, taking control of his mind and causing him harm.

Speaking to Hürriyet, ,Türker said: “After receiving training from 

Enis Tığlı, I constantly yell at myself at home. I harm myself, I cut 

my arms. Because he confused my mind, a gang based abroad took 

over my account. I lost $17,000 (745,907 TL). I think this sheikh is 

connected to them. After this training, my marriage and family were

endangered. My family ostracized me and kicked me out of the house. 

They are trying to tolerate me for now because I have nowhere to go.”

Unable to hold back his tears, Türker said, “I have been in this 

affliction for exactly 7 years. The foundation closed due to the 

pandemic. I found Sheikh Enis Tığlı through illegal means and 

went to where he lives. They beat me up and threw me out. I am 

asking for help from Turkish justice so that Enis Tığlı does not inflict 

the same suffering on other people.”

He also sells used cars.

"Forget & Release": Extortion Gang, Having Dropped Car Key at Crime Scene, Returned and Were Nabbed by Police, in Adana

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Sözcü Newspaper, 1 March 2026)

 

            Master extortionist  (!) Necmi Bey at wit's end!

In Adana's Seyhan district, Necmi A. had extorted money from  

M.A.B.'s foreign exchange bureau for a while with threats and

blackmail.  After a certain point, though, M.A.B. told Necmi bey

that he couldn't give him money any longer. 

As a result, Necmi bey and three of his friends raked the exchange

bureau with gunfire.  When the police arrived at the scene, they

found a car's ignition key (!) and staked out the cars parked on the

street. 

Sure enough (!), the suspects arrived with a locksmith to try to

open the car, but were nabbed by the police.  Necmi bey and 

7 others were all arrested for the extortion attack. 

"Beat & Release": Lawyer Brothers Beat Female Colleague, in Istanbul

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 28 February 2026)

 Their motto: "Figures don't lie and lawyers can figure."

Metin K. and his brother Furkan K., colleagues of celebrity lawyer P.K., 

who beat and threatened P.K. with death, were released by the court 

under judicial supervision. The Public Prosecutor appealed the decision.

P.K., a lawyer representing famous footballers and actors, filed a criminal 

complaint with the prosecutor's office on January 13, 2026, against 

lawyers Metin K. and his brother Furkan K. She alleges that they 

physically assaulted her, dragged her by her hair, and threatened her, 

saying, "You will be the female version of lawyer Serdar Öktem," at a 

colleague's office in Etiler, Istanbul, where she had gone for a meeting. 

P.K. claims that the violence resulted in a torn earlobe and bruises on 

her face and various parts of her body, and expressed concern for her 

safety, submitting photographs of the injuries as evidence to the 

prosecutor's office.

Furkan K. in a moment of quiet reflection.

Following P.K.'s complaint, the suspect Metin K. gave a statement to 

the prosecutor's office. In his statement, he denied the accusations, 

stating that he absolutely did not punch P.K. Metin K. said, "I have 

been victimized by P.K.'s statements, which do not reflect the truth. 

I am pressing charges."

The Public Prosecutor referred Metin K. and his brother Furkan K. 

to the Magistrates' Court with a request for their arrest on charges 

of "simple assault against a woman." The court decided to release 

the suspects, Metin K. and Furkan K., under judicial supervision.

However (!), the Public Prosecutor, objecting to the Magistrates' 

Court's decision, requested the annulment of the current decision, 

citing witness statements and facts confirming the suspicion of guilt 

and the existence of grounds for arrest regarding the alleged "simple 

assault against a woman" by Metin K. and Furkan K. The Public 

Prosecutor requested that arrest warrants be issued for the two 

suspects. P.K., who also objected to the court's decision, 

requested the annulment of the decision and the issuance of 

arrest warrants on the grounds that releasing the two suspects 

under judicial supervision was insufficient to ensure her safety.

Metin K. in a pensive mood.

"Lure & Release": Ankara Woman Had Love Spell Cast on Her Boyfriend; However... (!)

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 27 February 2026)

                      If it sounds too good to be true...

Ayşegül K. sought a love spell over her boyfriend through an account 

called ‘Medyumgamze’ on social media. Using come-ons such as 

‘protective shield’, ‘astrological incompatibility’, and ‘backfire spells’, 

she  paid 41,500 TL (about $1,000) in installments for Hasan, the man 

she wanted the spell cast on. Upon realizing she had been scammed, 

she filed a criminal complaint. The prosecutor's office subsequently 

opened a case against five suspects, all men, seeking up to 15 years in 

prison.

Ayşegül K., residing in Ankara, came across an account on social media 

on June 30, 2024, that presented itself as "Medyumgamze," offering 

services such as "resolving domestic disputes, marital problems, 

reconciling separated couples, breaking spells, love spells, protection 

against the evil eye, personalized talismans, personalized charms, and 

opening up opportunities." Ayşegül K. began communicating with this 

account. The individuals using the account convinced her by claiming 

they could help with spell casting and breaking, promising a refund if 

the spell didn't work. The suspects using the "Medyumgamze" account 

then directed her to a WhatsApp account.

Ayşegül K., wanting a love spell cast on her lover, deposited the requested 

6,000 TL into the provided IBAN. After some time, a person identifying 

herself as Gamze messaged Ayşegül K., saying, "Hasan Bey's mother, 

Hanife Hanım, has performed a protection ritual on her child. This ritual 

(to ward off the evil eye) was done so that the child wouldn't be afraid at 

night, but it's also affecting our ritual. We need to remove this ritual. 

That is, we will remove the part that is affecting our ritual. The price is 

8,500 TL. If it doesn't work, the two fees you paid will be refunded." 

Ayşegül K. requested a discount, and after negotiation, the price was 

reduced to 7,500 TL.

Some time after this message, another message arrived from an account 

named Gamze. This time, it stated that there was a "star mismatch," (!) 

and continued, "The binding ritual we performed, while breaking the spell, 

was done in such a way that the person who cast the spell would cause 

a backlash if the spell was broken. It backfired and caused estrangement 

between you. Therefore, we need to perform a star mismatch ritual, sister.

A star mismatch ritual definitely leads to marriage and creates an eternal 

bond of love between the individuals. 16 grams of gold are needed for this 

ritual. The price of this gold is 24,000 TL." They requested money again. 

Ayşegül K. sent this amount to the provided IBAN.

Ayşegül hanım was given some choices...

After a while, the scammers sent the young woman a message saying 

that the money she sent was blocked in a pool and that all the money 

would be returned if she sent more. Following this message, Ayşegül K. 

deposited another sum of money. In this way, the young woman deposited 

41,500 TL in installments into the IBAN shared by the scammers. 

Following this transaction, the suspects blocked Ayşegül K. on WhatsApp 

and Instagram and did not issue any refund. After a while, realizing she 

had been scammed, the young woman filed a criminal complaint with the 

Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. As part of the investigation, it 

was determined that the money the young woman deposited was 

transferred to crypto accounts by the suspects, and that the WhatsApp 

number used belonged to a foreign national. Following the investigation, 

the prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit against 5 suspects, all male, in the 

Ankara 9th Criminal Court of First Instance, demanding up to 15 years 

of imprisonment for the crime of "fraud using information systems, banks 

or credit institutions as tools."

The suspects whose statements are included in the indictment did not 

accept the charges. Some of the suspects, who blamed each other in 

their statements, said, "I gave my account to friends, I was deceived," 

while others defended themselves by saying, "I acted as an intermediary 

but I didn't know."

The suspects were advertising themselves through their social media 

accounts.

"Deceive & Release": AI-generated Fake ID Card Foiled by Human Cop's Sharp Memory, in Istanbul

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 26 February 2026)

                         Humans 1, AI 0 (this time)

Abdülhamit K., who had a confirmed 19-year prison sentence for theft, 

created a fake identity by combining his own face with that of a 

relative using artificial intelligence. He evaded checkpoints for years 

using this fake identity, but was finally caught when a police officer, 

who remembered him from 1.5 years prior, managed to identify 

him. (!)

On February 13th, security teams stopped a couple they suspected in 

Mecidiyeköy, Istanbul. During a routine identity check, the security 

team found nothing wrong with the fake ID card bearing the name 

of Abdülhamit K. (18). At that moment, a police officer recalled 

having conducted an identity check on the same person in Galata 

about 1.5 years earlier. The officer remembered that the name on the 

ID card, bearing the name Abdülhamit K., was different then. 

Meanwhile, a tattoo on the hand of the suspect's wife (!) caught the 

officer's attention. Seeing that the tattoo bore a different name than 

the one on the ID card, the police officer tried to understand the 

situation, at which point the suspect began to flee. Following a chase 

lasting approximately  1 kilometer, the suspect was apprehended. 

Security teams have begun working to determine the suspect's true 

identity.

Do-it-yourself in the AI era...

It was revealed that the suspect, whose identity was checked, had 

combined his own face with that of a relative using an artificial 

intelligence program to create a fake identity card. It was discovered 

that the suspect, who resorted to this method to avoid being caught, 

obtained a fake identity card from the population registry office 

using the AI-generated photo and his relative's information. The 

suspect, whose real name was determined to be Muhammed A., 

was found to have a confirmed prison sentence of 19 years and 

10 days for theft.

Following this, police teams examined the identity card in the 

databases of the courthouse and police interrogation systems. 

Police determined that the AI-generated photo was already in 

official records, making it difficult to identify the suspect during 

identity checks. It was revealed that the suspect had avoided 

police checks for years using this method. Legal proceedings 

were also initiated against Muhammed A. for "using someone 

else's identity information" and "making false statements." After 

completing the procedures at the police station, Muhammed A. 

was brought before the court and arrested.

"Deceive & Release": Terror Suspect Escaped Capture for 10 Years by Wearing Different Color Hats (!)

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 25 February 2026)

       Fugitives take note: no need for esthetic surgery, etc.

Bedrettin Günebakmaz (52), the so-called "Director of the Naval Forces 

Command" of the FETÖ/PDY armed terrorist organization, who has 

been wanted in the yellow category on the "Terrorist Wanted List" for 

10 years following the coup attempt of July 15, 2016, has been captured.

Günebakmaz  has been hiding for 10 years, wearing colorful hats, berets, 

and glasses and using different identities. (!)

The address where Bedrettin Günebakmaz, who was wanted with a 

reward of 300,000 TL (about $6,800) , was hiding was determined by 

the National Intelligence Organization (MIT). Günebakmaz, who in 

the past held the position of so-called "director" in the clandestine 

structure of the FETÖ/PDY armed terrorist organization within the 

Naval Forces Command, was found to have been involved with 

soldiers in Gölcük, to have been a chemistry teacher, to have used 

the organization's communication application ByLock, and to have 

had an account at Bank Asya. 

Master of disguises (!)

It was determined that Günebakmaz, whose house address in Üsküdar 

was identified, rented the house in someone else's name, opened the 

utility subscriptions in that person's name, and went out for 10 years 

disguised with colorful hats, berets, and glasses.

Following technical and physical surveillance, teams from MİT and the 

Counter-Terrorism Branch conducted a joint operation and apprehended 

Günebakmaz at his hiding place the previous night. Numerous colorful 

hats, beanies, glasses, and caps were seized from the house. (!)