Turkish Authorities Crack Down on ‘C31K’ Telegram Group Following School Attack Threats
Turkish security forces have launched a massive crackdown on a digital network known as “C31K,” a Telegram-based group linked to coordinated threats and attacks targeting schools. The operation, which involved the General Directorate of Security (EGM), resulted in the closure of 1,033 social media accounts and the dismantling of the Telegram group, according to reports from Onedio.
The group, described as a “digital terror nest” with approximately 100,000 members, gained notoriety for sharing disturbing content and planning strategic attacks. This digital surge in threats has sparked widespread alarm among parents and educators, highlighting the growing challenge of monitoring encrypted messaging platforms to prevent real-world violence.
The investigation intensified following a series of planned attacks on schools in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş. In response, authorities issued detention warrants for 83 individuals, as reported by the Anadolu Agency. Further enforcement actions led to the blocking of 940 accounts and the detention of 83 suspects, according to TRT Haber.
The threat landscape extended to Istanbul, where security teams intervened after discovering communications regarding an armed attack on a school. This specific lead resulted in the detention of six children, as detailed by Hürriyet.
The C31K network operated as a closed group on Telegram, using the platform to circulate threats and instill fear. The severity of the posts prompted an immediate response from the Ministry of the Interior and the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which began identifying users involved in the chats. The scale of the operation underscores the Turkish government’s commitment to eradicating digital hubs that coordinate physical violence against educational institutions.
Additional details regarding the group’s methods and the nature of the “blood-curdling” posts were highlighted in a report by Sabah, describing the group as a coordinated effort to target schools through strategic planning.
