17.02.2025 17:32
Semih B., who was tried on charges of not paying for the taxi fares while wearing a military uniform with the rank of lieutenant in İzmir, was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison and was released.
In the Konak district of İzmir, taxi driver Mustafa Başdaş took Semih B., who was wearing a military uniform with the rank of lieutenant, to the destination he wanted to go. Semih B. stated that he had no cash on him and was experiencing issues with his credit card, indicating that he would pay via IBAN. After claiming he had paid the money via IBAN, Semih B. got out of the taxi. When the money did not appear in his account, Başdaş filed a complaint with the police, claiming he had been defrauded by Semih B.
ANOTHER TAXI DRIVER FILED A COMPLAINT
Mohamed Elchichi (53), a Syrian national, also claimed that Semih B. defrauded him using the same method and reported the situation to the police. Başdaş and Elchichi shared the in-car camera footage belonging to Semih B. in their WhatsApp groups to warn their colleagues.
HE CLAIMED TO BE A CONTRACTED PRIVATE
The police launched an investigation into the incident. The suspect Semih B., whose location was identified, was captured in an operation conducted on December 2. It was determined that Semih B. was not military personnel, and it was learned that he stated in his police testimony that he was a contracted private and wore the uniform because he wanted to be a lieutenant.
UP TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON REQUESTED
The İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office prepared an indictment against Semih B. for 'qualified fraud by using the vehicles of public institutions and organizations,' requesting a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The indictment was accepted by the 9th Heavy Criminal Court.
"I GAVE THEM THEIR MONEY IN CASH THE NEXT DAY"
The trial of the detained defendant Semih B. began on February 14. The hearing was attended by detained defendant Semih B., taxi drivers Mustafa Başdaş and Mohamed Elchichi, President of the İzmir Chamber of Drivers and Automobile Owners Erkan Özkan, taxi drivers, and the lawyers of the parties. In his statement during the hearing, Semih B. said, "I couldn't send them their money that day because he changed my phone number. The next day, I went to the taxi stands and gave them their money in cash. I do not accept the charges. I request my acquittal."
The complainants, taxi driver Mustafa Başdaş and Mohamed Elchichi, claimed that Semih B. did not make any payments to them. The prosecutor presented his opinion on the merits, requesting a sentence for the crime of 'qualified fraud by using the vehicles of public institutions and organizations.'
A DECISION WAS MADE FOR HIS RELEASE
Then, the court announced its decision. The presiding judge sentenced Semih B. to 4 years and 6 months in prison and a 60-day administrative fine for the qualified fraud act against Mustafa Başdaş. Due to his behavior in court, the sentence was reduced by 1/6, bringing it down to 3 years and 9 months and a 50-day judicial fine. For Semih B.'s actions against the other taxi driver Elchichi, he was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison and a 48-day administrative fine. Due to Semih B.'s good behavior during the trial, the sentence was reduced by 1/6, resulting in a sentence of 3 years and 9 months and a 40-day administrative fine. Semih B. was sentenced to a total of 7.5 years in prison. Considering the time Semih B. spent in detention and the potential application of the execution law upon the finalization of the sentence, it was assessed that continuing his detention might not be proportionate, and a decision was made for his release. Additionally, a judicial control measure prohibiting Semih B. from leaving the country was decided.