14 uzbek nationals die in Turkey following poisoning incident

As of January 16 of this year, four more Uzbek citizens (all male) have died in Turkey due to the consumption of counterfeit alcohol. On January 15, four individuals lost their lives, while six fatalities were recorded on January 14. 

According to the available information, as of today, the number of people poisoned by counterfeit alcohol across Turkey stands at 88, with 37 of them succumbing to the poisoning. Among the victims are both local residents and representatives of other nationalities. 

Data provided by the Istanbul Governor’s Office indicates that on January 16, 2025, local law enforcement authorities confiscated 32,862 liters of illegal methyl and ethyl alcohol in Istanbul. The operations were carried out in the districts of Sultangazi, Fatih, Bakırköy, Küçükçekmece, Çatalca, Esenyurt, Zeytinburnu, and Beykoz, resulting in the arrest of nine suspects. 

During the investigations, 227 bottles of counterfeit alcohol and distillation equipment were also discovered. Of the detained suspects, three were released after questioning, while investigations into the remaining six are ongoing. 

Diplomats from the Consulate General visited the intensive care units of Istanbul hospitals to check on Uzbek citizens undergoing treatment after being poisoned by counterfeit alcohol. According to their findings, three of the patients are in critical condition. 

Additionally, the Consulate General has called on all Uzbek citizens in Turkey to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages and to strictly adhere to personal safety precautions.