47 Arrested in Turkey for Fraud and Money Laundering in "SİBERGÖZ-34" Operation

Turkish authorities have apprehended 47 suspects across 11 provinces in a simultaneous operation dubbed "SİBERGÖZ-34", targeting an alleged criminal organization involved in qualified fraud and money laundering. The operation, led by the National Police Cyber Crimes Branch, was part of a larger crackdown on cybercrime announced by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

According to investigators, the criminal group, headed by Serkan Kınalı, placed fraudulent advertisements on e-commerce and classified ad platforms. They then used call centers to deceive victims into sending money under the guise of deposits, shipping fees, and insurance costs for items like containers and electric cars. The illicit funds were subsequently laundered by converting them into cryptocurrency.

Authorities found that the group had defrauded 37 individuals, including earthquake victims and disabled citizens. Transactions totaling 52,675,400 Turkish Lira were detected in the suspects' accounts. Three members of the organization had a combined 25 years of confirmed prison sentences for a total of 23 separate crimes.

Why this matters: The successful operation highlights the Turkish government's proactive approach in combating cybercrime and protecting citizens in the digital realm. It emphasizes the importance of public awareness and vigilance when engaging in online transactions to prevent falling victim to sophisticated fraud schemes.

The "SİBERGÖZ-34" operation resulted in the arrest of 52 suspects and the seizure of numerous digital materials. Interior Minister Yerlikaya stated, "Our Cyber Crimes Branch teams are working devotedly to combat crimes committed in the virtual environment. We will never allow crime organizations to take shelter behind computer screens." The operation demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to maintaining a secure online environment for citizens.

Key Takeaways

• Turkish police arrested 47 suspects in "SİBERGÖZ-34" operation targeting fraud, money laundering.
• Criminal group used online ads, call centers to deceive victims, launder funds via crypto.
• Suspects defrauded 37 individuals, including earthquake victims and disabled citizens.
• Operation resulted in 52 arrests and seizure of digital materials.
• Turkish government's crackdown on cybercrime aims to protect citizens in digital realm.