28 detained in prostitution raid in Istanbul

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

25 prostitutes were detained in Istanbul’s Fatih district by the security forces. Hürriyet photo

Security forces launched a raid against prostitution in Istanbul’s Fatih district, detaining 28 suspects including a bar manager, according to Doğan News Agency.

Police officers raided a disco late last night after a tip claiming that forced prostitution was going on at the location. The bar’s manager, two personnel, and 25 prostitutes were detained by forces in the raid, and were taken to Gayrettepe police station.

Two undercover officers reportedly bargained a deal with the women, and then called for the police units with the coded message, “Tulips have blossomed.”

The women, from a range of countries including Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, are to be held while proper medical tests are conducted. The manager and the personnel will be sent to court after testifying.