Major Racketeering Operation Unveiled at Antalya Fisherman’s Harbor

Antalya Coast Guard’s Intelligence Branch and Konyaaltı Coast Guard Station launched an extensive probe at the Antalya Fisherman’s Harbor, leading to a crackdown on corruption. After approximately 8 months of intensive surveillance, a sting operation was carried out resulting in the arrest of 7 suspects. Statements were obtained from 24 other suspects and 9 additional individuals, totaling 40, who are now facing legal actions.

Unauthorized Payments and Coercion Revealed

Investigations revealed that authorized fishermen were illicitly charged beyond the price rates set by the Antalya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry for shelter and docking services for their boats. Fishermen were coerced into making unofficial payments to secure berths within the Antalya Fisherman’s Harbor, bypassing the formal procedures that the cooperative should have followed.

Allegations of Unlawful Practices in New Port Fishermen’s Cooperative

The Ministry Appoints Trustee to the Shelter

Investigation Initiated into Bribery Allegations

The ministry has discovered that boat owners redirected to individuals not affiliated with the operator cooperative, resulting in unfair profits and benefits.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has appointed a trustee to the Antalya Fishermen’s Shelter following the initiation of an investigation into bribery allegations regarding the towing of boats ashore and providing parking spaces for boats inside the shelter for personal gain.

Shelter Inspection Underway

The investigation is currently ongoing, and inspections at the Antalya Fishermen’s Shelter have commenced early this morning.

Restrictions Imposed by Agricultural and Forestry Provincial Directorate in the Harbor

Inspection Decision Extended Until Monday

Prohibition of Vessels and Vehicles in the Harbor

Authorities from the Agricultural and Forestry Provincial Directorate are set to conduct inspections in the harbor until Monday, November 25th. As per the decision taken by the appointed trustee, access for vessels and vehicles other than commercial and private boat owners is restricted until the specified date. Furthermore, it has been mandated that all market and establishments within the Antalya Fishermen’s Harbor remain closed until Monday. In addition, working hours have been limited from 08:30 to 17:30. The trustee management has ruled that permission must be obtained from the trustee management for all activities within the harbor.

Authorities have announced that strict measures are being implemented for a more regulated and controlled environment within the harbor.