They were seized as part of a specialized operation against illegal trade
Turkish police have entered more than 155 kilograms of precious stones and jewelry, including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc., of a total value of 9.4 million euros as part of a specialized operation against illegal trade, TRT Haber reported.
According to an official declaration of the Office of the Chief Prosecutor of Istanbul, the operation was carried out at 41 distinct addresses, and in addition to the stones and precious jewelry confiscated, 35 people were also detained, accused of “illegal imports and trade of precious stones” and “creation of an organized criminal group”.
A total of 155 kilograms and 602 grams of precious stones were seized during the operation, as well as 945 jewelry, which proved to have been imported into the country illegally. The total market value of confiscated items is 445,750,000 Turkish Liras, which is equivalent to almost 9.4 million euros.
Long -term survey
The operation is the result of a long -term survey covering activities related to import, transport and illegal trade in diamonds, emeralds, rubies, quartz and jewelry.
The Ministry of Finance and the Treasury announced that the tax inspectors were also present during the searches, which participated in the inventory and the evaluation of valuables seized.
According to information from the prosecutor’s office, the search for six of the accused is currently underway.
The authorities point out that the operation is a blow against organized crime linked to the illegal trade in luxury products and precious stones in the country.
Photo illustrative de Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-rings-in-close-ul-photography-12301235/
Originally published in The European Times.
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