Major Cyber Crime Operation Covering 14 Provinces in Türkiye: 306 Detention Orders

Under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior, a very comprehensive cyber crime operation was carried out across Turkey in cooperation with the Cyber Crime Department of the General Directorate of Security, MASAK, and various Public Prosecutor's Offices. Planned across 14 provinces and executed intensively over the past five days, the operations have once again demonstrated the gravity and determination of the fight against increasing criminal activities in the digital realm. In statements made by authorities, it was emphasized that such operations are of great importance for the supremacy of law and citizen safety, and that new operations against suspects involved in similar activities will continue to gain momentum. Simultaneous raids were conducted across the country, primarily in Bursa, Kayseri, Adana, Sakarya, İstanbul, Malatya, Düzce, Batman, Kocaeli, Çorum, Mersin, Şanlıurfa, Siirt, and Kırıkkale. As a result of the operations, a total of 306 suspects, identified as being involved in various cyber crimes, were detained. While the proceedings of the detained suspects continue meticulously at police units, the details of the investigation conducted at the courts to which they were referred are beginning to become clear.

The first concrete steps were taken in the judicial processes of the detained suspects, and the justice process began to operate swiftly. 18 of the suspects, who testified before the duty courts, were arrested and sent to prison considering the weight of the evidence and the nature of the crimes. It was decided to impose heavier sanctions on those who were arrested due to their roles in the organization and the severity of the crimes they committed. Additionally, for 16 suspects where arrest was not deemed sufficient or where evidence was found lacking, a decision was made to release them under judicial control provisions, and their travel abroad was banned. It was stated that the interrogation and statement procedures of the remaining suspects at police headquarters are ongoing, digital material examinations are continuing, and they will not be referred to judicial authorities until the process is completed. It was expressed that legal processes regarding this operation will be followed and that new arrests may come to the agenda when necessary.

Examinations regarding the activities of the suspects revealed in detail that they committed and managed a very wide range of crimes. In digital and physical searches, it was definitively established with evidence that the suspects were involved in inhumane crimes such as possessing and sharing images of child abuse in online environments. Furthermore, it was determined that they engaged in usury and provided high-interest money flows via POS devices, obtaining financial gain. Among the findings in the operation reports, it was also noted that suspects seized citizens' personal information to gain unauthorized access to mobile banking and game accounts, causing financial damage by emptying these accounts. It was emphasized that such activities had reached dimensions that shake the trust of society and must be prevented.

Within the scope of the investigation, it was revealed that one of the revenue sources of the cyber crime organization was organizing illegal gambling and betting operations. It was determined that the suspects collected large amounts of money from citizens through illegal betting sites they established and managed, and integrated this money into the system through money laundering methods. It was observed that not only the organized crime aspect but also individuals who facilitated money transfers to these illegal sites were identified, and this network was spread across a wide geography. It was determined that suspects conducted intensive advertising activities on social media channels to increase the popularity of the platforms they used for these criminal activities, thereby reaching more victims. It was learned that hundreds of people who provided access and financial support to these sites were identified and included in the operation, and efforts were made to completely collapse the network.

In the meticulous investigation and evidence examinations, it was understood that the suspects also resorted to more modern fraud methods that exploit the emotions and vulnerabilities of citizens. It was uncovered that they attempted to deceive millions of citizens via fake internet sites using methods called 'phishing' or by opening fake accounts on social media platforms. The network, posing as reliable institutions or investors to commit 'high-yield investment fraud', stole the savings of hundreds of people. Additionally, other detected methods included calling citizens, sending SMS, or emailing with current and convincing pretexts such as internet modem fees, product costs, or bill payments to commit fraud. In its statement regarding the issue, the Ministry of Interior stated that the fight against cyber crimes will continue uninterrupted and decisively under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security, MASAK, and judicial organs, and that every necessary measure will be taken to prevent the victimization of citizens.