Istanbul Man Steals Armenian Church Cross for Girlfriend, Ends Up in Handcuffs

A man in Istanbul was arrested after stealing a cross from the Armenian Catholic Church located in the Beyoğlu district. The theft, which took place on August 21, was captured on the church’s surveillance cameras, leading to police response.

The Armenian Catholic Church, a historical and religious landmark in Beyoğlu, found itself the victim of an unusual crime. The 37-year-old suspect, identified only by the initials SA, entered the church on the day of the incident. After sitting quietly in a pew, he carefully observed his surroundings to ensure that no one was watching. Moments later, SA stood up, approached the altar, and took the cross, a significant religious symbol used in worship. Without delay, he exited the church and left the area by taxi.

It wasn’t long before church officials noticed that the cross was missing from its place. Realizing the severity of the situation, they immediately notified the police. The Beyoğlu Public Security Bureau got involved, reviewing footage from the church’s security cameras. The video clearly showed SA’s actions, allowing the police to identify him as the thief.

The police’s search for SA was brief. They found him in a nearby park and apprehended him without incident. During the interrogation that followed, more details about the suspect emerged. SA was not new to criminal activity; in fact, he had an extensive record with 37 prior offenses, ranging from petty crimes to more serious charges.

When questioned about his motive for stealing the cross, SA made a startling confession. He admitted that he took the cross as a gift for his girlfriend. This admission added a peculiar twist to the case, shows the lengths to which SA was willing to go to impress his loved one, even if it meant committing a crime.

Following his confession, SA was charged with "theft from a temple," a serious offense given the religious significance of the stolen item. The authorities moved quickly, referring him to the courthouse, where a judge reviewed the case. Given SA’s criminal history and the nature of the crime, the court decided to place him under arrest, and he was subsequently sent to prison to await further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the stolen cross was recovered by the police and returned to the Armenian Catholic Church, much to the relief of the church officials and the local community. The church, which serves as a place of worship and cultural heritage for the Armenian community in Istanbul, had been affected by the theft, but the return of the cross brought a sense of closure to the incident.