The security forces in Istanbul have arrested Hassan Aykin, a leader of the international Comanchero motorcycle gang, along with 37 other members of the organization. This news comes from the Turkish broadcaster TRT Haber.

Reports suggest that the Comancheros, which comprises of Turkish and organized crime leaders, as well as members of terrorist organizations, have been attempting to establish connections with Australia, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong in order to smuggle drugs. Additionally, they are involved in human trafficking.

Austria and the United States have shown interest in the investigation. The organized crime group, known as the “Vandak” organization, and its members announced the operation in Istanbul, aiming to dismantle them.

During the operation, approximately 4.5 billion Turkish liras (about 160 million dollars) worth of activities were exposed. This involved the seizure of 55 weapons, as well as the discovery of bank accounts, illicit assets, transportation means, and branches of 22 companies associated with the Turkish criminal organization.