Istanbul Courthouse Robbery: 25kg Gold and 50kg Silver Stolen, Suspect in UK

One of Türkiye's Biggest Courthouse Theft Scandals

Authorities discovered on 1 December 2025 that the evidence safe at the Büyükçekmece Courthouse in Istanbul was completely empty. The vault, which stored assets seized as part of ongoing criminal cases, had been under the responsibility of court employee Erdal Timurtaş.

An internal check revealed that around 25 kilograms of gold and 50 kilograms of silver — including jewelry, bullion, and historic coins — had disappeared. The total value of the stolen items is estimated at 147 million TL, making it one of the largest courthouse thefts in Türkiye’s history.

Investigators later learned that Timurtaş, along with his wife and children, had left Türkiye on 19 November, flying to London before the theft was publicly revealed. A second courthouse employee responsible for holding a copy of the vault keys was detained as part of the expanding investigation.

How the Heist Was Carried Out

According to the initial findings, the suspect entered the courthouse early in the morning on 13 November using a spare key. He allegedly accessed the evidence safe, filled black bags with gold and silver, placed them on a file-transport cart used in the corridors, and walked out without drawing attention.

The stolen items included various forms of gold, silver, expensive jewelry, and rare coins. Authorities believe the suspect may have tried to liquidate some of the items before leaving the country, based on private messages he sent to acquaintances.

Public Outrage and Shock at Security Gaps

The scale and simplicity of the operation have caused widespread public anger. Many questioned how a single employee could access such a sensitive area without any oversight or alarm triggers. The case has exposed deep flaws in the evidence-handling system of the judicial institutions.

The Ministry of Justice launched a nationwide review of all courthouse evidence vaults, acknowledging that security measures must be strengthened. Analysts and legal experts argue that the theft reflects long-standing structural weaknesses — inadequate surveillance, inconsistent audits, and excessive reliance on individual courthouse staff.

Timurtaş’s mother has publicly asserted that her son did not act alone, raising the possibility of a broader network or higher-level negligence. The claim has added another layer to the scandal and fueled speculation about internal complicity.

A Scandal With Long-Term Consequences

The theft is expected to have lasting effects:

• Legal cases may be disrupted, as the stolen items were part of ongoing trials.
• Judicial reforms are now being demanded more forcefully, including stronger internal controls and digital tracking systems.
• Türkiye–UK cooperation may come into play if authorities pursue extradition or asset recovery.
• Public confidence in the judiciary has been shaken, adding to broader concerns about institutional transparency and accountability.

The manhunt continues as authorities work with international partners to locate the fugitive clerk and recover the stolen precious metals.