"Despoil & Release": Tourist Boats Threaten Endangered Seals' Privacy, in Gazipaşa

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 12 March 2026)

          "I want to be alone!" - Marlene Dietrich fan.

The last refuge of Mediterranean monk seals, whose numbers have 

dwindled to around 900 worldwide, in Gazipaşa, Antalya, has been 

turned into a profit-making hub by illegal tours. Raids on the caves, 

organized via Telegram and marketed especially to foreign tourists, 

are driving the timid animals away from their homes. Following the

 emergence of the footage, a report was made to the authorities.

The Mediterranean monk seal, listed as critically endangered by the 

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), whose numbers had previously fallen 

to 700, has seen its population rise to 900 last year thanks to conservation 

efforts. Found only along the coasts of Turkey and Greece, and two 

countries in the Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean monk seal faces its 

greatest threat from human-caused factors.

A case highlighting the harm humans inflict on Mediterranean monk 

seals occurred in Gazipaşa, Antalya. It was revealed that a person 

marketing seal caves to tourists, primarily Russians but also domestic 

and foreign visitors, in the Gazipaşa-Alanya region, shared footage in 

a closed group on a social media application. An anonymous member 

of the group reported the incident, including images showing a 

Mediterranean monk seal being disturbed in its den and fleeing in fear.

“Foreigners in the Gazipaşa Russian Telegram chat group are writing that 

this man has been hunting seals in these caves in groups for about two 

years. The seals particularly like this area of ​​Kızılin Mountain and live 

there. Since this man showed these caves to many foreigners who admire 

Gazipaşa, satisfied hunters regularly come there on their own. These 

caves urgently need protection, and this shameful practice must stop. 

Many foreigners are writing that they are doing a good job by driving

 the seals away from the caves, believing that this will encourage seal 

breeding. I am speechless with shock. I am in despair.”

     Seals' sign at cave entrance:  "I'd turn back if I were you!"

Following the report, Cem Orkun Kıraç, Coordinator of the 

Mediterranean Monk Seal Research Group affiliated with the 

Underwater Research Association, informed the authorities of the 

situation along with the images. Kıraç, stating that DKMP officials 

will conduct the necessary investigation, said:

“According to the correspondence, a person named Savaş is marketing 

to local and foreign tourists, saying, ‘I will show you the Mediterranean 

monk seal.’ Despite the fact that entering Mediterranean monk seal dens

is prohibited by law, he is marketing this to tourists in a Telegram group. 

Why is entering the Mediterranean monk seal cave prohibited? Because 

it only remains in four countries in the world. We are talking about a very

 rare creature with only 900 individuals remaining worldwide. These four 

countries are struggling to protect it and ensure its survival. In Turkey, 

there are 120 identified individuals, perhaps 150. We are not counting 

young and pups; the number of adults is 120. Why are people entering 

their caves? Because of its timid nature, the animal is introverted and 

fearful, staying away from people. And that's why it goes to caves. 

Actually, caves are not their habitat. The Mediterranean monk seal is 

not an animal that lives in cramped caves. It takes refuge in caves due 

to excessive human pressure. Now you are disturbing them in their last
refuge. This man is also conducting tours.”

To the rescue!

"Beat & Release": Ex-Boxer, Now a Loan Shark, Kills "Indebted" Friend With a Punch, in Istanbul

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 12 March 2026)

                                       In happier days...

According to allegations, Seyit Göçüm (47) repaid the 400,00 TL  

(about $9,000) he borrowed from his friend Gürsoy K., a former boxer, 

2 years ago, with interest, amounting to approximately 4 million lira. 

However (!), Gürsoy K., who continued to demand money, assaulted 

Göçüm, with whom he had a disagreement. Göçüm died in the 

hospital after being taken there following the punch he received.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Pınartepe 

neighborhood of Istanbul's Beylikdüzü district. Allegedly, former boxer 

Gürsoy K. lent his close friend Seyit Göçüm 400,000 TL two years ago. 

Last April, Seyit Göçüm married Mona Behmeni, and Gürsoy K. was his 

witness at the wedding (!). Since the time of the loan, Göçüm has repaid 

Gürsoy approximately 4 million TL (about $90,000) (!), including interest. 

However (!), Gürsoy continued to demand more money. After a while, 

Seyit Göçüm fell ill and, on the advice of doctors, quit his job. His wife, 

Mona hanım, left her beauty salon to her employees and took over her 

husband's business.

On January 13, 2026, Gürsoy K. went to Göçüm's workplace, which was 

being managed by Mona Behmeni, and demanded more money. 

Göçüm's wife, Behmeni hanım, said to Gürsoy K., "We gave you two 

luxury cars, and we made payments many times, both in cash and through 

the bank. Why isn't this debt being paid off? I'll give you my beauty center 

too, just to close this matter." Upon hearing this, Gürsoy K. told Behmeni 

to have her husband come and settle the matter.

The following day, Gürsoy K. and Seyit Göçüm met at a cafe next to their 

workplace. After sitting for a while, the two got up and left. As they were 

walking down the street, Gürsoy punched Göçüm. Göçüm collapsed from 

the blow, and bystanders alerted his wife who was sitting inside the 

workplace. When she came out, Gürsoy K. attacked her as well. The couple 

called the police. While police were investigating the scene, 

Seyit Göçüm fainted and died in the hospital. The entire incident was 

captured on security cameras of nearby businesses.

Mona hanım, describing what happened, said, “My husband had an illness. 

The doctors said, 'He should stay away from stress.' So my husband quit his 

job and started staying home to rest. I also quit my beauty salon and took 

over my husband's business. I started working in his place. 

On January 13th, Gürsoy K. came to my husband's workplace. He asked me, 

'Where is your husband?'” I told him, "You know my husband is sick and 

resting at home." He said my husband still owed him money. I asked, 

"What debt? Hasn't this debt been paid off yet?" and offered to give him 

my beauty salon. He said, "Tell your husband to come tomorrow and sort 

this out, otherwise I'll kill him first and then demolish the beauty salon." 

That evening, I told my husband what happened, but I didn't tell him the 

part where Gürsoy K. threatened me. On January 14th, my husband and 

Gürsoy sat in a cafe next to his workplace. After sitting for 5-6 minutes, 

they got up. While walking, Gürsoy punched my husband, even though 

he knew he was sick. When my husband became ill, the neighbors came 

and told me. When I went outside, Gürsoy hit me too. People around 

separated us. Then my husband told me to call the police and a lawyer. 

The police and the lawyer arrived. My husband explained everything, 

and at that moment, he became ill and fainted in front of the police. 

And I lost my husband."

Following the incident, Gürsoy K. was taken into custody by police. He 

was subsequently arrested after being brought before the court. However, 

Mona hanım stated that she was threatened by the suspect's family, saying

"The pain wasn't easy. I tried to compose myself a little. But Gürsoy's family 

threatened me. They said, 'You're a foreigner, we'll have you deported; 

withdraw your complaint.' I can't leave the house, I can't go to work. I 

don't want money, I just want justice. He ruined our lives. I was only 

married for 9 months. I will stand by my complaint to the end."

"Beat & Release": Weightlifter Big Brother Beats Up Plump Kid Sister's Tormenters, in Konya

 türkçe links to original Turkish article

(HaberTürk website, 11 March 2026)

                                 A  bit of a mismatch.

In Konya, national weightlifter S.B.K. (20) allegedly assaulted E.B.İ., 

a male student, and his twin sister at school because they had been 

mocking and bullying his sister I.K. (14) over her weight. S.B.K. was 

detained after the incident but released after giving his statement.

The incident occurred on February 3rd at Adnan Hadiye Sürmegöz 

Middle School on Güvence Street in Feritpaşa Neighborhood, Selçuklu 

district. I.K., a student at the school, allegedly told her family that her 

peer E.B.İ. had been mocking her because of her weight.

Following this, I.K.'s mother and older brother, S.B.K., went to meet 

with the school principal, R.Ş. While S.B.K.'s mother was meeting with 

the principal in his office, S.B.K encountered E.B.İ. waiting in the 

corridor. After an argument ensued, S.B.K. attacked E.B.İ. with punches 

and kicks. The teacher on duty noticed the situation and tried to 

intervene and separate them. At that moment, E.B.İ.'s twin sister arrived 

and reacted. S.B.K. then attacked E.B.İ.'s sister with punches as well.

Bullying deterrent

The parties were separated by the intervention of the teachers. S.B.K. 

was taken into custody by police teams called upon the report. S.B.K., 

who was learned to have won a European championship in weightlifting 

when he was 17 years old, was released after giving his statement.

School Principal R.Ş., in his statement to the police after the incident, 

explained what happened. In his statement, R.Ş. said, “On the day of the 

incident, the mother of my student came to the principal's office. She 

told me that a student named E.B.İ. was bullying her daughter because 

of her weight. I told her, 'Let's evaluate the matter with the vice 

principal and guidance counselor responsible for 7th and 8th grade 

students.'

"At that time, I saw on the camera in my room that there was shouting 

and chaos on the floor where the principal's office was located. 

Afterwards, I immediately went out into the corridor and saw the 

teacher on duty intervening in the fight. I told S.B.K., whose name I 

learned because of the incident, 'I'm talking to your mother about this 

matter, what you did is wrong. You can't just walk into the school and 

beat up students based on what your sister  said, without talking to us. 

What would happen if everyone did the same?'" he said.

"Beat & Release": 18-year "Hedgehog" Murder Case Solved - CSI Zonguldak

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 10 March 2026)

                           The resemblance is uncanny.

An indictment has been prepared against four suspects, two of whom 

are in custody, for allegedly murdering Ahmet Yılmaz, nicknamed 'Kirpi' 

(Hedgehog), whose bones were found in the Ulutan Dam in 2010, two 

years after he disappeared in Zonguldak. The indictment seeks a life 

sentence for the crime of 'intentional murder in complicity'. It states that  

Yılmaz was strangled in a car, his body was hidden in a sack in an 

abandoned illegal coal mine, and then thrown into the dam lake.

In 2010, human bones were found near the Ulutan Dam in Zonguldak. 

In 2012, DNA tests identified the bones as belonging to Ahmet Yılmaz, 

a married man with five children who had disappeared in 2008. It was 

stated that Ahmet Yılmaz's bones were found by a fisherman on 

December 9, 2010, when the water level in the dam receded. At the 

time of the investigation, a decision of non-prosecution was issued in 

2012, based on the DNA results, on the grounds that there was 

"no evidence that Ahmet Yılmaz had been murdered."

However (!), in 2023, in the organized crime case in Zonguldak, in 

which Emircan İ. (45) is accused of being the leader, the non-prosecution 

decision was overturned and the case was reopened after a defendant 

named H.P. confessed to killing Ahmet Yılmaz by shooting him in the 

head and throwing him into the dam, based on a statement he had heard 

but described as if he had lived through it.

The Public Security Branch Directorate teams took over the case of 

Ahmet Yılmaz's death in 2025, as there were no injuries from cutting, 

stabbing, or gunshot wounds on his body. As part of the investigation 

coordinated by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, statements were 

taken from 20 people. In this context, coded notes exchanged between 

the suspects during their time in prison in 2009 under the 'criminal 

organization' case were also deciphered. 

It was determined that those involved in the murder made false 

applications and statements to conceal his death, such as 'Ahmet lives 

in Istanbul. I bought drugs from him, he lives in a hotel.' It was revealed 

that Emircan İ., Tarık Y. (50), Köksal A. (48), and Baycan İ. tried to 

conceal the murder in this way for many years.

Based on the statements taken, it was determined that İlker E. 

explained that he committed the murder to instil fear in his friends (!). 

Following this, İlker E., who was already in custody for another 

crime, was questioned. On November 11, 2025, İlker E. was also 

arrested in connection with the 'Kirpi Ahmet' murder.

Police teams subsequently conducted technical surveillance, phone 

tapping, and HTS (cellphone)base station analysis. On February 22, 

the teams carried out an operation and detained Emircan İ., Köksal A., 

and Tarık Y.

Within the scope of the case, the possibility emerged that Ahmet 

Yılmaz was murdered due to suspicion that he would report other 

gang members in a theft incident that occurred during an internal 

gang dispute. It was learned that Emircan İ. claimed that he argued 

with and strangled Yılmaz because of an affair between the deceased 

Baycan İ. and Yılmaz's wife.

On February 26, the suspects were brought to court as part of the 

investigation. Emircan İ., who was charged with "intentional 

homicide in complicity," was placed under house arrest because he 

was not in the vehicle on the day of the incident. Köksal A. and 

Tarık Y. were arrested. İlker E., who was already in custody for this 

crime, was released under judicial supervision.

The Zonguldak Public Prosecutor's Office has prepared an indictment 

regarding the incident. The indictment states that Ahmet Yılmaz was 

strangled to death on November 1, 2008, after an argument while 

driving around with his friends Baycan İ., Köksal A., and Tarık Y., 

following the news that he would report the gang. 

The indictment further states that Emircan İ. explained that the 

argument stemmed from a relationship between Baycan İ. and Yılmaz's 

wife; Köksal A. exercised his right to remain silent and denied the 

accusations; and Tarık Y. confessed that Baycan İ. strangled "Kirpi 

Ahmet" in the car, they put the body in a sack, first dumped it in an 

abandoned illegal coal mine, and then later threw it into the Ulutan 

Dam. The four suspects, who were also taken to the crime scene for 

on-site investigation, are facing life imprisonment for "intentional 

homicide in complicity."

"Flood & Release": Flamingos Flock to New Feeding Ground Created by Heavy Rains, in Söke

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 9 March 2026)

    "Word-of-beak" prompted the birds to head to Söke.

In Söke district of Aydın, fields that turned into lakes due to the 

overflowing of the Büyük Menderes River following heavy rainfall 

have become a popular spot for flamingos. The flamingos in the flooded 

fields were filmed with a drone.

Due to the excessive rainfall that has affected the city in recent days, 

frequent floods are occurring in the Büyük Menderes River, submerging

many wheat fields in the Nalbantlar neighborhood. The flooding turned 

the fields into lakes, creating interesting scenes. Numerous flamingos 

flocked to the flooded wheat fields.

The flamingos in the area were filmed by a person using a drone. The 

footage shows the flamingos feeding in the water-covered fields, 

highlighting the unique beauty the floods added to nature. The colorful 

images quickly gained attention on social media.

The Menderes River's path, with Söke at left.

"Beat & Release": Traffic Hooligans Pay Dearly, Thanks to New Harsher Law, in Istanbul

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspapar, 8 March 2026) 

If you have to ask how much the fine is, you can't afford it.

Two drivers and one passenger involved in a traffic altercation in 

Maltepe, Istanbul, were fined a total of 540,000 TL (about $12,250). (!)

The two suspects, who were taken into custody, are expected to be 

referred to the courthouse.

The incident occurred yesterday on Bağdat Avenue. A dispute between 

two drivers in traffic quickly escalated into a fight. A passenger in one 

of the vehicles also became involved in the brawl. After footage of the 

incident was shared on social media, Istanbul Police Department teams 

launched an investigation.

Investigations revealed that those involved in the fight were the driver 

V.A. (40), the passenger in the vehicle Ö.Ç. (32), and the driver of the 

other vehicle, M.E.S. (27). Ö.Ç. and M.E.S., who were found to have 

assaulted each other, were quickly apprehended and taken into custody 

by police teams. A total administrative fine of 540,000 TL was imposed 

on the suspects under the relevant articles of the new Highway Traffic 

Law that just went into effect on 27 February. 

It was learned that Ö.Ç. and M.E.S., who are in custody, will be referred 

to the courthouse after their procedures at the police station on charges of 

'intentional injury', 'threat', and 'endangering traffic safety'.

"Pirouette & Release": Construction Worker by Day, Teaches Ballet at Night, in Ayvacık

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Haberler.com website, 7 March 2026)

                      Heavy lifting and light dancing.

Berkay Dal, who lives in Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, works as a 

construction machine operator during the day and teaches ballet in the 

evenings. He maintains his connection to art by pursuing both 

professions simultaneously, thanks to his conservatory education. 

Dal, who graduated from the Turkish Folk Dance Department of 

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University State Conservatory in 2023 

and who also holds a ballet instructor certificate, moved to Ayvacık 

district of Çanakkale from Balıkesir about 3 years ago.

He entered the construction sector through his friend Ali Çakır, who 

works in excavation, and gradually learned to operate construction 

machinery. While actively working as a construction machine operator 

on construction sites, Dal started giving ballet lessons at a private art 

center in the district in the evenings to stay connected to art. Giving

ballet lessons to 15 students two days a week, Dal has also remained 

true to his artistic field.

"I'm trying to improve myself in the fields of ballet, performing arts, 

lighting, and makeup."  Dal stated that his juggling two different 

professions is met with surprise by those around hım, but the positive

feedback he receives motivates him.

"Fleece & Release": Elderly Man Avoids Phone Scam Only Because His Cell Died and ATM Malfunctioned, in Burdur

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 6 March 2026)

                  Next time, say "I don't speak Turkish"... 

Ahmet S. (78), a retired teacher in Burdur, was saved from being 

scammed when his mobile phone ran out of battery and the ATM 

malfunctioned. Ahmet S. said, “I was about to send my salary to 

them through the ATM when my phone ran out of battery. Our good 

money did not go to bad hands”

Ahmet S., received a phone call around 4 PM yesterday from someone 

who claimed he could earn two to three times the amount he sent to a 

specific account. Initially disbelieving the caller, who said he was

calling from Istanbul, Ahmet S. eventually became convinced and went 

to a bank branch to complete the transaction.

Suspicious of Ahmet S.'s behavior, the bank security guard and employee 

warned him he was being scammed and advised him not to proceed. 

Ahmet S. left, but returned to the branch a short time later, attempting 

to send money to the account provided by the caller. He was again warned 

and sent away by bank staff. When he returned for the third time, the 

staff alerted the police.

...and get this app for your phone.

While a police team was dispatched to the bank branch, Ahmet S. 

attempted to use an ATM. However, the ATM malfunctioned, and his 

cell phone battery died. Unable to complete the transaction, Ahmet S. 

was helped by the police and his close friends. After being convinced he

was being scammed, Ahmet S. left the bank. It was learned that Ahmet S. 

did not file a complaint.

Ahmet S. said, “We had been talking on the phone for a while. He said 

I would earn more money if I sent 11,000 lira. The man gave me 

confidence. I genuinely wanted to deposit the money. I receive my 

retirement pension from another bank. I was about to withdraw my 

pension and send it via ATM when my phone battery died, the ATM 

malfunctioned, and the security guard, police officers, and our close 

friends dissuaded me. Our honest money didn't go to waste.”

"Drive & Release": Teenagers Built Diesel-engine Car Out of Recycled Waste, in Samsun

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 5 March 2026)

       High school kids nicknamed it "chick magnet". 

Miraç Diril, a 10th-grade student at Samsun Technopark High School, 

along with two schoolmates, built a 7.5-horsepower car using recycled 

waste materials. Expressing pride in their project, Diril said, “We 

gradually developed and completed the vehicle over approximately 

three months. Our car has a 7.5-horsepower diesel tiller engine, and 

we are continuing to improve it.”

Students learned what NOT to do from this classic.

"Flood & Release": Rain Drenches Antalya-Konya Highway, Creating a Surfing Sensation

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(T24 website, 27 February 2026)

                            Ferry leaves in 10 minutes...

Following heavy rainfall, a large section of the Konya-Antalya 

highway was flooded. Aerial footage showed that the road was 

completely submerged at one point, transforming into a lake-like scene. 

Following these images, a citizen was seen engaging in water sports 

on the flooded highway.

Following heavy rainfall in the Eynif Plain area, a large section of the 

road was submerged. Aerial footage showed that the road disappeared 

at one point, replaced by a vast pool of water.

Surf's up!

In footage shared on social media, a citizen named İhsan Bayık is seen 

jetsurfing on a road covered in water. Bayık stated, "I am currently on 

the Konya-Antalya highway, heading from Konya towards Antalya. 

This is the Eynif Plain. After 38 years, nature has reclaimed what 

belongs to it. It's unbelievable, but I'm jetsurfing on the highway." 

The footage quickly spread on social media, sparking both surprise 

and debate about the flooded road.

"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.