Turkish courts have ordered the arrest of 38 minors as part of an investigation into an İstanbul-based youth gang accused of carrying out armed attacks, robberies and killings.
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses 68 suspects, including youngsters under the age of 18, of crimes related to a “new generation” armed criminal organization known in Turkey as “Casperlar.”
In a written statement the prosecutor’s office said the group carried out 41 acts involving gang-related crimes between February 27, 2024, and June 29, 2025, across multiple districts in İstanbul and in the Çeşme district of İzmir province.
Prosecutors said the investigation identified 66 victims and complainants and four people who were killed.
The prosecutor’s office said the gang is led by İsmail Atız, known by the nickname “Hamuş,” and that minors were drawn into criminal activity as part of the group’s operations.
The statement said the minors face charges that include membership in a criminal organization, armed robbery, murder, attempted murder and illegal possession and transport of firearms and ammunition.
Prosecutors said courts had ordered pretrial detention for 38 minors and imposed judicial supervision measures on 19 others.
The case was filed on Friday at the Bakırköy Juvenile High Criminal Court, the prosecutor’s office said.
Turkish authorities have described a rise in youth-based armed groups in recent years, often centered in İstanbul, with prosecutors and police accusing them of recruiting teenagers and using stolen vehicles and firearms in attacks linked to rivalries and extortion.