Istanbul, March 10 – The Istanbul Police Department’s Cybercrime Branch has successfully conducted an operation targeting an international forex fraud network, resulting in the detention of 140 suspects. Among those apprehended, 74 are foreign nationals.
Extensive Investigation and Operation
The Istanbul Police Department’s Cybercrime Branch initiated technical and field studies to identify and prevent “qualified fraud” offenses. These investigations revealed that a group was engaged in “forex fraud” under the guise of investment in Sarıyer. The suspects were operating a call center, conducting international fraud activities.
Following instructions from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement teams launched an operation, leading to the apprehension of 140 individuals.
Suspects and Modus Operandi
Preliminary examinations of digital materials seized during the operation indicated that the suspects were involved in investment fraud using platforms named “bit finance,” “narafx,” “ngbackoffice.pro,” and “hedef.ui.” Further checks of open sources revealed numerous complaints about these platforms globally, confirming the widespread nature of their illicit activities.
The operation highlights the growing threat of international financial fraud and the continuous efforts of law enforcement to combat such sophisticated criminal networks.
International Scope of the Fraud
The fact that 74 of the 140 detained suspects are foreign nationals underscores the international dimension of this fraud scheme. This suggests a highly organized criminal enterprise with a broad reach, targeting victims across various countries. The use of a call center further indicates a systematic approach to deceiving individuals with promises of high returns on forex investments.
Impact and Future Actions
This successful operation is expected to disrupt a significant international fraud network and serve as a deterrent to similar criminal activities. The investigation into the full extent of the fraud and the identification of all victims is likely to continue. Authorities are expected to provide further details as the legal process unfolds.
The incident also serves as a reminder for potential investors to exercise extreme caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with online investment platforms, especially those promising unrealistic returns.
Source: https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/istanbulda-uluslararasi-forex-dolandiriciligi-operasyonu-140-supheli-yakalandi-937269.html
