Thirty Arrests in Turkey’s C31K Case Over Online Animal Abuse and Hate Content
A Major Cybercrime Operation
Authorities in Turkey have carried out a large-scale operation that resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals linked to the online group known as C31K.
This group had been sharing videos of animal torture, alongside hate content aimed at disaster victims, children, and national values.
Nationwide Raids
The operation, coordinated by the Ankara Public Prosecutor’s Office and enforced by the Cyber Crimes Division, involved simultaneous raids across 14 provinces.
Investigators identified 84 social media accounts tied to the group, with two suspects found to be operating from abroad. Of those detained, 13 were minors.
Animal Torture at the Centre
The C31K group gained notoriety for circulating disturbing footage of deliberate, staged animal torture.
“This operation sends a strong signal that cruelty to animals—even when shared online—will not go unpunished,” a spokesperson for Dog Desk Animal Action said. “Animal torture is not entertainment, and every case like this is a reminder that violence against animals must be treated with the same seriousness as any other form of abuse.”
Wider Context of Hate
In addition to animal cruelty, the group produced content mocking earthquake victims, spreading insults against national and religious values, and issuing threats online.
The arrests mark one of the largest coordinated actions against a digital community promoting cruelty in Turkey.
What Needs to Change
Dog Desk Animal Action welcomes these arrests and calls for:
Stronger legal protections for animals, ensuring that online abuse is prosecuted as a serious crime.
Tighter regulation of social media platforms to detect and remove animal torture content before it spreads.
Educational initiatives to prevent children from being drawn into online groups that normalise cruelty.
“These arrests are an important step, but they are not the end of the fight,” the spokesperson added. “Animal welfare must remain central to the response. Protecting animals from cruelty online is not only about saving them, it’s about safeguarding the values of compassion and humanity in society.”
If you haven’t heard of this group you can find information on them here