22 Arrested in Türkiye’s 11-Province Cancer Drug Probe

Türkiye’s Justice Minister Akın Gürlek has announced coordinated raids across 11 provinces targeting an alleged criminal network accused of repackaging expired cancer medications and putting them back on the market. A total of 22 suspects have been taken into custody.

The investigation, conducted by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, focuses on allegations that cancer drugs past their expiration dates were given new packaging and labels before being offered for sale in Türkiye and abroad.

Following technical surveillance, investigations and detailed examinations, authorities identified 24 suspects, including three public officials, along with four companies and five business premises allegedly linked to the activities.

Financial investigations revealed that the transactions associated with the suspects and companies amounted to approximately 650 million Turkish lira. Authorities also determined that the financial movements were inconsistent with the commercial activities officially declared by those involved.

Based on the evidence gathered, simultaneous operations were launched across 11 provinces, targeting all 24 suspects and five business premises. Twenty-two suspects were arrested, while efforts to locate the remaining two individuals are ongoing.

Authorities have also seized movable and immovable assets, as well as bank accounts, believed to be connected to proceeds from the alleged criminal activities.

Gürlek Vows Firm Action Against Threats to Public Health

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek thanked the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Istanbul Provincial Police Department and all public officials involved in the investigation.

Emphasizing that the safety of cancer patients must never be compromised for financial gain, Gürlek stated that the government would continue its determined fight against organizations endangering human lives through illegal practices.

He stressed that no criminal network threatening public health or putting lives at risk for illicit profits would be allowed to operate with impunity.