Türkiye-Led Operation Across Europe Disrupts Baybasin Crime Network

(MENAFN) Authorities in Türkiye, working alongside Europol, carried out a cross-border operation targeting the Baybasin organized crime network involved in cigarette smuggling. The assets of nine suspects linked to the group were seized as part of the investigation, according to reports citing Interior Ministry sources.

Law enforcement units from Italy, Poland, France, the UK, and Switzerland also participated in the operation. The group’s leader and a senior member, identified by the initials H.F.B. and C.D., are alleged to have laundered profits from cigarette smuggling through two companies based in Diyarbakir in southeastern Türkiye and through real estate holdings in the western province of Aydin.

As part of the crackdown, authorities confiscated company shares in Diyarbakir, real estate in Aydin, vehicles, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency assets belonging to the suspects, who were detained abroad.

Originating as a family-based criminal organization in southeastern Türkiye, the Baybasin network has expanded its operations across Europe. Its founder, Huseyin Baybasin, is currently serving a life sentence in the Netherlands on charges including murder and drug trafficking.

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