Reporting an Offence in Türkiye 2026: Police or Prosecutor?

تركيا · Dec 28, 2025

Reporting an Offence in Türkiye: Police or Public Prosecutor?

The appropriate reporting route depends on whether you need immediate protection, wish to report a suspected offence or have a civil financial claim. Police and prosecutors perform different roles within the criminal process; reporting to one is not a substitute for understanding the remedy your problem needs.

1. Their different roles
Police and gendarmerie receive reports, record statements, collect information and intervene where necessary. The public prosecutor, savcılık, directs the investigation and decides whether the statutory conditions for a public prosecution are met. You can report a suspected offence to either law enforcement or the prosecutor.

2. When police intervention is useful
For immediate threats, assault, violence or an offence in progress, call 112. A station can also receive reports of theft, damage and other suspected crimes. Officers may need to examine a location or speak to witnesses. For a lost document, ask the competent authority what loss record is needed; loss and theft must be described accurately.

3. When to approach the prosecutor
A direct complaint may be useful for documented fraud, blackmail, threats or complex events supported by messages, transfers and other records. It is not necessary to go to the prosecutor merely to make a police report more serious: the prosecutor already directs the criminal investigation. A large unpaid sum does not automatically make a contractual dispute a crime.

4. Preparation checklist

Available identity documents and contact details.
Messages, photographs, lawful recordings, links, payment receipts and relevant account information.
A chronology explaining the events in order.
Witness details where known.
The incident location and relevant person or company details.

Do not delay urgent protection because you do not yet have a complete file.

5. Keep the account focused
Explain who was involved, what happened, when and where it happened, and what you ask the authority to investigate or protect. Separate direct observations from suspicions. Repayment may also need a separate civil or enforcement remedy.

6. A short outline

On [date] at/via [place or platform], I experienced [describe the events accurately]. The person or account involved is [known details, or unknown]. I paid/sent [details, if applicable], after which [events]. I attach [list of evidence]. I ask for the reported events to be investigated and the appropriate lawful measures to be considered.

Complete the required identifying details, date and signature and use a petition in the form accepted by the authority. Obtain translation or legal help where needed.

7. Useful Turkish phrases

Şikâyetçi olmak istiyorum. — I want to make a complaint.
Resmî tutanak tutulmasını istiyorum. — I would like the incident formally recorded.
Delillerim var. — I have evidence.
Dolandırıldım. — I have been defrauded.
Tehdit edildim. — I have been threatened.
Hırsızlık oldu. — There has been a theft.

Use a phrase only when it accurately describes the facts.

8. Follow-up and common mistakes
Do not exaggerate, delete evidence or add unverified details as facts. Ask for the report/file reference and keep copies. Read the statement before signing and request an interpreter if necessary. Report online offences promptly and follow formal notifications. Organised facts and evidence help assessment but do not guarantee prosecution or recovery of money.

Official references

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Reporting an Offence in Türkiye 2026: Police or Prosecutor?

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