Istanbul police detain 16 in operation against prostitution

ISTANBUL

Istanbul police have detained 16 suspects in a broadened operation against a mafia organization accused of forcing people into prostitution, seizing the assets of the suspected gang members.

Police initially detained seven people in the operation launched after a month of works on Dec. 15, with the latest number of those detained increasing to 16, police sources said on Dec. 20.

Ten houses, three plots, three luxurious cars, a business place and a motorbike are among assets seized, police said.

The suspected leader of the gang is among those detained during police raids on 13 workplaces, including places disguised as massage parlors and skin care and beauty centers.

The suspects are accused of establishing an armed criminal organization, pandering, providing place for prostitution, forcing people into prostitution, sexual assault, deprivation of liberty, unlicensed gun possession and robbery through forcibly making people sign promissory notes.