Turkish Police Seize $127 Million in Cybercrime Raids: Major Crackdown Unveiled

In a recent series of cybercrime raids in Turkey, law enforcement authorities have made significant strides in cracking down on illegal activities, resulting in the seizure of assets valued at a staggering $127 million. The operations, spearheaded by the Cyber Crime Combat Department of the General Directorate of Security in collaboration with the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, targeted a wide range of illicit activities including illegal betting, online fraud, child pornography, harassment, and unauthorized computer access.

A total of 423 suspects were detained across 52 provinces in Turkey, with 145 individuals facing formal arrest and 128 placed under judicial supervision. The raids uncovered a web of fraudulent schemes, such as scam forex investments, crypto consultancy scams, e-commerce fraud, and fake gift card promotions, which preyed on unsuspecting citizens. Additionally, the criminals were found to be facilitating illegal betting operations and illicit money transfers, while also exploiting mobile banking accounts for financial gain.

The comprehensive sweep led to the confiscation of various assets including unlicensed firearms, hard drives, servers, mobile phones, bank cards, and other digital evidence. Turkish Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya commended the efforts of law enforcement personnel involved in the operations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating crime in the virtual realm through continued vigilance and proactive measures.

The successful outcome of these raids serves as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of Turkish authorities in safeguarding the digital landscape and protecting citizens from online threats and criminal activities.