At least 55 customs officials were detained on Monday as part of a major bribery investigation, news agencies reported.

Some reports said 60 people were detained in the operation, which was conducted simultaneously in five provinces, including İstanbul. In addition to customs officials, the heads of some departments and employees of export and import companies have been detained.

The detentions were made on suspicion of bribery, corruption and fraud in export procedures.

The operation was coordinated by the İstanbul Police Department's anti-financial crimes unit. Police said more detentions were expected.

Cihan news agency