17 Bangladeshi Workers Detained for Alleged Garlic Theft in Güzelyurt; Court Orders 3-Day Investigation.

Seventeen Bangladeshi suspects face court in Güzelyurt for garlic theft and property violation, with ongoing investigation into their immigration status.

Seventeen Bangladeshi suspects, arrested on charges of “Product Theft and Property Violation” in Güzelyurt, appeared before the court yesterday.

Police Officer Burak Akdöl testified in court about the incident. He reported that an investigation commenced following a complaint regarding the theft of 2,500 heads of garlic, that were collected and piled by the aforementioned individuals after entering the field belonging to local resident İ.B. in Gayretköy and trespassing on his property between July 1-8, 2024.

During the investigation conducted on July 13, 2024, the suspects identified were Asraful Islam, MD Monere Hossen, MD Monırul Islam, MD Raj Islam, MD Tofsır Mia, MD Ontar Mia, MD Neımur Rahman, MD Amıt Hasan, MD Mohammad Ali, MD Rıan Mia, MD Jahanggır Hossen, MD Mostofa Miah, MD Masum Billah, Tanvır Miah, and MD Mubarak Mia, all residing in Bostancı. They were arrested under a warrant obtained from the court.

The police stated that the suspects, who were under the employment of H.T., were arrested at the workers’ residences in Bostancı. During the search, 28 kg of garlic was found and seized as evidence. Officer Akdöl noted that the investigation is ongoing and that the suspects’ statements need to be verified. He also indicated that the suspects would be questioned about their immigration status and requested their detention at the police station for three days for further investigation.

Senior Judge Mine Ozankaya reviewed the testimony and ordered that the suspects be detained at the police department for three days to facilitate the investigation.