2025 Istanbul alcohol poisonings

2025 Istanbul alcohol poisonings
DateJanuary 1, 2025 – ongoing
DurationOngoing
LocationIstanbul and Ankara, Turkey
TypeAlcohol poisoning
CauseMethanol and ethanol poisoning
Deaths≥160
Non-fatal injuries≥230
Arrests560
ConvictionsIntentional homicide

In 2025, a number of poisoning deaths related to bootleg alcohol consumption occurred in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey. This included a surge of victims within a 72-hour period in January 2025, during which at least 30 people died. As of March 8, at least 160 people have been reported dead, and 230 others have been hospitalized, including at least 40 critically. The deaths were attributed primarily to methanol poisoning from illegally produced alcohol.