53 detained in 'internet modem' gang that defrauded 17 thousand people across Turkey

A major blow was dealt to a large fraud gang that victimized citizens wishing to get internet service, with an operation launched centered in Kayseri and carried out simultaneously in 6 provinces. Coordinated by the Kayseri Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and following the technical surveillance of the Provincial Police Directorate, 53 suspects identified as being involved in 'qualified fraud' were detained in the operation. It was determined that the suspects created copies of real internet service providers' websites to abuse the public's trust and defrauded citizens to obtain financial gain.

In detailed investigations, it was revealed that the network preferred to organize using unidentified mobile lines while committing crimes and created a large money flow in this way. Upon examination of account transactions after the meticulous work of police teams, it was determined that the gang victimized a total of 17 thousand 156 citizens across the country and created a transaction volume of 757 million 564 thousand 454.52 TL in their bank accounts through this means. This enormous figure reveals that the fraud network was not only conducting individual theft but also waging an organized financial war.

In Kayseri, the focal point of the operation, it was determined that the suspects caused a loss of 1 million 113 thousand 530 TL to at least 204 citizens. However, the gang's area of activity was not limited to Kayseri; within the scope of the operation, simultaneous raids were conducted on numerous addresses, including 43 in Ankara, 6 in Kocaeli, and 1 each in Istanbul, Bursa, Antalya, and Mersin. This wide geographical distribution shows that the criminal organization acted not just with one city but with a national network and spread victims across a wide spectrum.

During the simultaneous raids, comprehensive searches and seizures were carried out at the residences of the suspects. Digital materials and tools of crime found at these addresses were seized, and the mobile lines that were the financial source of the organization and procured for use in the crime were reached. As a result of the evaluation by judicial authorities, 31 of the suspects, whose proceedings at the police station were completed and who were brought before the judge at the courthouse they were referred to with a request for arrest, were arrested and sent to prison considering the state of evidence and their risks of flight.

The evolution of fraud methods with technology requires the constant updating of the fight against such organizations. It is of vital importance that citizens prefer official and reliable channels even in routine transactions like internet service subscription, verify the accuracy of websites, and approach unknown sources with suspicion. The successful operation of the Kayseri Provincial Police Directorate once again proved the determination of the justice mechanism to reach the perpetrators, no matter where or against whom the crime is committed.