Simultaneous operation in 6 provinces against internet modem fraud across Turkey: 53 detentions

Details of an operation against a fraud network, centered in Kayseri and resonating widely across Turkey, have begun to emerge. Under the coordination of the Kayseri Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was determined that a group targeting citizens wishing to obtain internet services was operating on a large scale. It was found that the suspects deceived citizens by imitating the websites of legal internet service providers and applied the 'internet modem fraud' method using unknown mobile lines for real users in the process. Investigations revealed that the network victimized a total of 17 thousand 156 citizens nationwide, and the financial dimension of this organization was determined to be 757 million 564 thousand 454.52 TL in the total transaction volume of bank accounts. In this context, Kayseri Provincial Police Department teams initiated technical surveillance and collected evidence to determine the activities of the suspects in different provinces.

Following the technical and physical surveillance, the organized structure of the network and the severity of the crime became clear. A simultaneous and coordinated operation plan was prepared against the members of the criminal organization located in Ankara, Kocaeli, Istanbul, Bursa, Antalya, and Mersin. This large-scale operation, which was not limited to Kayseri alone, targeted not only high-level individuals who committed and managed the fraud but also those who procured mobile lines and provided logistical support to be used in the commission of the crime. Although the operation was centered in Kayseri, it was determined that the members of the network resided in different provinces and provided services across Turkey from there. Therefore, it was decided to carry out the operation in 6 different provinces at the same time, and action was taken by taking necessary security measures. Search and seizure operations were carried out at the addresses of the suspects.

In the first phase of the operation, simultaneous raids were conducted at the determined addresses and search operations were carried out. During the raids, numerous digital materials, organizational documents, and materials considered to be evidence of the crime were seized. In this context, a total of 53 suspects were caught and detained. Among the detained suspects were not only the managers and lower-level members of the organization but also those who provided the mobile lines, which were the tools of the crime, as well as those who carried out only financial transactions. The interrogations of the suspects at the police units were completed, and 31 of them were referred to the judicial authorities. 31 suspects, whose statements were taken by the prosecutor's office and who either accepted the charges in the face of evidence or were found to have strong suspicion, were arrested by the court and sent to prison. Considering the positions of the arrested persons in the hierarchy of the organization and the extent of the crimes, judicial control measures were considered insufficient.

According to the information obtained within the scope of the investigation, it was seen that the network not only caused financial disappointment but also created a systematic structure that victimized thousands of citizens. According to the data of the Kayseri Provincial Police Department, it was determined that only in this province, 204 citizens were damaged by a total of 1 million 113 thousand 530 TL. However, the fraud network was not limited to Kayseri and managed to affect approximately 17 thousand people across Turkey. The damage caused by the suspects to the citizens is expected to increase further as the number of complainants increases. The amount of money circulating in bank accounts reveals the nature of the committed crime and that it falls under the scope of 'qualified fraud'. Citizens are requested to apply to the security forces and file a complaint if they encounter these fake sites or are victimized while switching or subscribing to internet providers.

The investigation regarding the issue continues, and police teams continue their work to expose other persons or groups involved in similar crimes. Security officials warned citizens against such fraud methods, emphasizing that transactions such as obtaining internet services should be carried out through authorized and official channels. Staying away from imitation sites or phone calls that arouse suspicion is shown as the most effective method to prevent the financing of such organizations. While a detailed investigation continues against the 31 arrested suspects, it remains unclear whether there will be new detention decisions regarding the operation. This operation once again revealed the sensitivity of security units regarding digital fraud (phishing and similar methods) and that the fight against such crimes will continue.