Five Individuals Arrested in Istanbul for Alleged Financing of IS
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Istanbul, Dec 23 (NationPress) Turkish law enforcement has taken into custody five individuals in Istanbul on Monday, suspected of funding the Islamic State (IS), according to reports from state broadcaster TRT.
Acting on an inquiry initiated by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, authorities identified a total of seven suspects allegedly involved in channeling funds to IS affiliates in conflict zones, as stated by TRT.
Arrest warrants were issued on the grounds of "membership of an armed terrorist organization" and "violating the Law on the Prevention of Terrorism Financing."
Law enforcement executed simultaneous raids at seven locations throughout Istanbul, resulting in the detention of five suspects, with efforts still ongoing to capture the remaining two, TRT reported.
During these operations, authorities seized €55,000 and various organizational documents, according to Xinhua news agency.
In September, Turkish police apprehended an individual believed to have orchestrated a January assault on a church within Istanbul.
The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the General Directorate of Security carried out a coordinated operation in Istanbul to apprehend Viskhan Soltamatov, a suspected member of the Islamic State (IS).
Reports indicate that Soltamatov played a role in planning the attack on the Santa Maria Italian Church and was responsible for procuring the weapon used.
This attack, which took place on January 28 during a prayer service in the Sariyer district, resulted in the death of a Turkish citizen.
Prior to this, Turkish police had detained 31 suspects connected to the attack, and investigations are still ongoing.
In February, Turkey’s security forces arrested at least 34 foreign nationals due to their suspected connections with the Islamic State during operations across seven provinces in the country.
These operations also resulted in the confiscation of unauthorized firearms, a substantial amount of foreign currency, and various digital materials.
Turkey designated IS as a terrorist organization in 2013 and has been the target of multiple attacks by the group. In response, Ankara has conducted counter-terrorism operations both within its borders and internationally.
