Turkish authorities detained 473 suspects in operations targeting fraud, illegal betting, online child sexual abuse and money laundering across 25 provinces over five days, the Interior Ministry announced on Monday.
The operations were conducted by provincial police cybercrime units under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security’s Cybercrime Fighting Department, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and chief public prosecutor’s offices.
According to the ministry, the suspects used social media platforms and phishing websites to defraud people through schemes involving file fees, tax payments, vehicle rentals and down payments.
Authorities also determined that the suspects had operated illegal betting and gambling platforms, facilitated money transfers through illegal betting websites and advertised illegal betting and gambling sites.
The investigation also uncovered cases involving child sexual abuse material and unauthorized access to individuals’ mobile banking and gaming accounts.
Of the 473 suspects detained, 286 were arrested, while 92 were placed under judicial control. Proceedings against the remaining suspects were ongoing.
Authorities seized 22 movable and two immovable properties with a combined value of TL 41.3 million ($843,349), along with a large quantity of digital materials, during the operations.
