Police Seizes Valuables and Antiques Worth $30 Million in Istanbul

• 135 jewelries and 267 artifacts were seized
• 50 individuals were detained, including 10 suspected in the smuggling
• The Grand Bazaar is a popular tourist destination

The Istanbul police seized valuables and antiques valued at approximately $30 million from the historical Grand Bazaar during the investigation of a diamond smuggling operation, Turkish media reported on September 27, 2025.

The operation began after the detention of 10 suspects in the smuggling of precious stones to Turkey. Along with the reported findings, the police conducted raids in 23 businesses covering the market, arresting another 40 individuals.

Law enforcement confiscated nearly 135 jewelries, 1,132 gold bars, and 267 historical artifacts for a total sum of 1.25 billion Turkish lira (approximately $30.5 million). Firearms and digital materials were also seized.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world and has thousands of small shops. It was founded by Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror, shortly after the capture of the city during the Ottoman Empire.

This market is often described as the first trading center in the world and has repeatedly become the focus of law enforcement attention. In the spring, investigators conducted a raid on a company that dealt in foreign currency and precious metals through the laundering of money.

Tags: Middle East/Crime