Coordinated Cyber Crime Operation in 14 Provinces: 306 Suspects Detained

According to information sourced from the Ministry of Interior, a very comprehensive and simultaneous operation has been carried out across Turkey targeting cyber crimes. The activities, led by the Cyber Crime Department of the General Directorate of Security, were conducted in coordinated alignment with MASAK and relevant Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices. The primary aim of the operation is to decipher criminal organizations that are on the rise in the digital realm and threaten public safety, bringing their perpetrators before justice. In this context, simultaneous raids were conducted in 14 different provinces, and legal action has been initiated against a large number of suspects, reaching 306. In the planning phase, the financial movements of the suspects and evidence obtained as a result of technical surveillance were meticulously examined.

Following the operations conducted at many points across the country, primarily in Bursa, Kayseri, Adana, Sakarya, Istanbul, Malatya, Düzce, Batman, Kocaeli, Çorum, Mersin, Şanlıurfa, Siirt, and Kırıkkale, the number of detainees has been finalized. Teams that worked intensively over the last 5 days searched the residences and workplaces of the suspects, seizing digital materials. Of the 306 suspects apprehended, 18 were arrested and sent to prison considering the nature of the crimes attributed to them and the state of evidence. 16 of the suspects referred to judicial authorities during the investigation phase were released subject to judicial control measures, but with a supervision condition. It is stated that the proceedings of the remaining suspects at police units continue and the process of taking their statements is ongoing.

Among the crime elements addressed within the scope of the investigation lies a particularly sensitive title of combating child abuse. It has been determined that the suspects possessed and shared indecent images of children in online environments. Additionally, it was identified that they were part of a criminal organization known as POS usury, which causes citizens to fall into financial difficulties by meeting their cash needs at high interest rates. Cyber security teams have revealed that this organization is involved not only in sexually explicit crimes but also in financial exploitation. It has been proven with evidence that the suspects managed these activities in an organized manner and acted systematically by identifying their target audiences.

Gaining unauthorized access to mobile banking systems and online game accounts to seize individual accounts constitutes another group of crimes targeted in the operation. Network members who obtained citizens' identity information and passwords caused financial damage by emptying these accounts or making loan applications. Furthermore, it was understood that illegal gambling and betting activities were conducted intensely, mediation was provided for money transfers to these sites, and the promotion of these sites was carried out. Police reports show that the suspects were involved in both establishing the infrastructure of betting sites and engaging in marketing activities to attract users to these sites. It was emphasized that such activities require serious sanctions because they cause both financial losses and violation of legal limits.

Fraud activities carried out using social media platforms and phishing methods have been examined in detail. It was determined that the suspects created phishing sites using themes accepted by the public, such as fake investment opportunities, internet modem fee refunds, or product fees, to gain the trust of citizens. By this method, the gang, who seized the credit card information and passwords of innocent citizens, gained substantial unjust income. While police teams prioritize informing citizens to prevent such fraud, it has emerged that the arrested suspects were involved in all types of cyber crimes and appealed to a wide client base. It is reported that the investigation is progressing multidimensionally and the operations continue to apprehend other suspects.