In a recent operation targeting ISIS in Istanbul, 46 individuals were arrested for organizing illegal gatherings and collecting money under the guise of fitrah and zakat. The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted raids on 68 addresses belonging to suspects identified in the operation. During the operation, weapons, numerous digital materials, and organizational documents were seized. The investigation revealed that supporters of the ISIS armed terrorist organization, led by Zeynal Payzin and operating in Istanbul, gathered at illegal meetings of the ‘Ilm ve Hikmet’ magazine.
Illegal Gatherings and Fundraising
Upon examining the suspects’ MASAK reports, it was determined that they collected money from their supporters under the names of fitrah and zakat. Furthermore, it was found that they were actively seeking to bring ISIS terrorist organization members from conflict zones into Turkey through illegal means and conducting propaganda activities via social media platforms.
46 Individuals Arrested
Following technical and physical surveillance to identify the suspects, operations were carried out at 68 addresses in Istanbul. During the raids, 59 suspects were apprehended, and searches yielded 1 unlicensed pistol, 1 rifle, numerous digital materials, and organizational documents belonging to the suspects. After completing the necessary procedures at the police station, 3 individuals were released on the prosecutor’s orders, while 56 suspects were transferred to the courthouse. Following their statements to the prosecutor, 46 suspects were arrested and sent to prison, while 10 individuals were released under judicial supervision.
