21 held over extortion for PKK in Turkish capital

By Cankut Tasdan and Hamdi Celikbas

ANKARA (AA) - At least 21 suspects were detained for extortion to help finance the PKK/KCK terror group after a huge dawn sweep across the Turkish capital Ankara, security sources said Tuesday.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said the operation targeted 25 suspects in Altindag and Ulus districts, including ringleader Kasim B.

The suspects were charged with extorting money from entertainment venues, taxi drivers and shopkeepers on behalf of the PKK/KCK terror group.

Around 300 officers split into 60 teams targeted 35 addresses across the capital simultaneously.
Operations are ongoing to nab the rest of the suspects.