53 Suspects Detained in 'Modem Fraud' Operation Conducted Across 6 Provinces

As part of the investigation coordinated by the Emniyet Genel Müdürlüğü and conducted by the İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı, a large-scale operation was launched against a fraud network targeting modems used by citizens for internet access. Fingerprints were placed on the organized crime group that obtained unjust gains through the method known as 'modem fraud'. As a result of the technical and physical tracking by cyber police teams, it was determined that the network was organized as an intercity network and reached a significant financial size. In this context, evidence was collected regarding the commission of the crime, and simultaneous work was initiated to apprehend the suspects for whom detention orders were issued.

The operation was planned and executed simultaneously in 6 different provinces, primarily where fraud activities were intensively conducted and where the network's centers were believed to be located. Led by İstanbul, raids were conducted on the determined addresses with the accompaniment of Özel Büro teams. The details of the operation revealed that a large number of digital materials, documents considered to be criminal elements, and devices used in fraud were seized during searches at the addresses. The work done by the teams on the field revealed that the suspects acted in an organized structure and kept the police teams working day and night, but a major blow was dealt to the network as a result of the operation. It was stated that among those detained were high-level managers thought to be managing the organization.

In initial assessments regarding the issue, it was determined that network members used various deception methods to deceive citizens. It was learned that suspects usually called victims, introducing themselves as technical authorities or internet service provider personnel, and performed fake operations to fix malfunctions in modems or increase speed. The suspects, who obtained victims' bank account information or credit card passwords through this means, gained financial benefits. It was noted that it became necessary to carry out the operation against the group, which victimized thousands of citizens with this method and had been under technical surveillance for a long time, today before the legal process was completed.

Following the AdlKıyafet process, 53 suspects taken to the police departments were processed for interrogation. While it is planned to refer the suspects to judicial authorities after their procedures are completed, information reflected in the media indicated that some suspects denied the accusations in their statements or claimed they were deceived. As the investigation deepens, it is emphasized that the operation may be expanded further by police teams and efforts are continuing to apprehend other suspects thought to be linked to this criminal organization. While an official statement is expected regarding the incident, the possibility of an increase in the number of detentions is being considered.

Consequently, an important step was taken in the fight against cyber crimes, and an organized network engaged in activities aimed at defrauding citizens was dismantled. Thanks to the technical and intelligence work of the security forces, it is aimed to expose such fraud methods and apprehend the perpetrators. Citizens were called upon to be cautious against those who introduce themselves as police, prosecutors, or bank officials and ask for money or security information. The operation is expected to deter similar crime focuses, while the suspects will be tried after the judicial process and it will be requested that they receive the punishments they deserve.