306 Suspects Detained in Cyber Operation Across 14 Provinces

Coordinated by the Ministry of Interior, a comprehensive cyber operation was conducted across Turkey in collaboration with the General Directorate of Security Cyber Crimes Department, MASAK, and Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices. Simultaneous raids were carried out in 14 different provinces, primarily in Bursa, Kayseri, Adana, Sakarya, Istanbul, Malatya, Düzce, Batman, Kocaeli, Çorum, Mersin, Şanlıurfa, Siirt, and Kırıkkale. As a result of operations conducted over the last 5 days, 306 suspects identified as being involved in cyber crimes were detained. An analysis of the operation details revealed that the suspects operated in various unlawful fields and were spread across a wide network.

A large majority of the detained suspects face charges of possessing and disseminating child pornographic content online. Additionally, these individuals were determined to have victimized citizens economically through POS usury within the scope of financial crimes. Police teams determined that the gang seized citizens' personal data to gain unauthorized access to mobile banking accounts and gaming accounts. Unauthorized transactions conducted through these accounts led to financial losses and security vulnerabilities for the victims. Cyber police emphasized that the operation was planned methodically by tracking digital footprints to prevent these crimes.

Another significant accusation emerging during the investigation was illegal gambling and operating gambling games. It was determined that the suspects acted as intermediaries for money transfers to illegal betting sites and actively promoted these sites. Advertising illegal betting sites and generating revenue by attracting users to these sites were among the activities that led to criminal complaints. It was stated that such organizations both violated legal obligations and harmed public order.

Deception methods set up via social media platforms and phishing sites stood out among the fraud techniques used by the suspects. Fake pages were created using various themes such as "investment fraud," "internet modem fees," and "product fees" to deceive citizens. Through these fake pages, users' credit card information and passwords were captured. According to informant sources, it was reported that with the development of technology, such fraud methods have become more sophisticated and people are deceived by appearing innocent.

Following the judicial procedures, the process of sending the detained suspects to prison has begun. Among those detained in the operation, 18 were arrested and sent to prison, while a decision was made to apply judicial control measures against 16. It was reported that the interrogation processes of other suspects at the police station are continuing and work is underway to refer them to judicial authorities. Officials announced that the fight against cyber crimes will continue decisively and that similar operations will continue uninterruptedly within the framework of the law.