55 arrested over import/export scam

The Turkish National Police's financial crimes unit detained 55 people in nationwide operations on Friday against suspects accused of a scam involving fake import and export procedures.

In simultaneous operations in 16 cities, suspects accused of scamming the state of TL 750 million ($290.05 million) were arrested.

Suspects facing charges of fraud reportedly used fabricated documents for imports to show them exported to a third country while they secretly sold the goods in the domestic market.

Turkish media outlets reported that textile company owners were among the detainees as well as five customs officials. Authorities said more detentions may follow as the investigation continues.