13.10.2026 14:32
In Istanbul, six operations were carried out this year against an investment fraud network targeting people abroad from call centers appearing to be tourism and consultancy companies, and 662 people were detained. In the latest operation, 36 suspects were arrested. It was determined that desks were set up at the centers according to countries and languages, and that employees were subjected to polygraph tests.
Striking details have emerged in the investigation into an investment fraud network allegedly operating through call centers established in Istanbul under the guise of a tourism and consultancy company and targeting people abroad. In six operations conducted against similar call centers in 2026, a total of 662 people were detained. In the latest operation, 97 people were detained and 36 suspects were arrested.
DESKS SET UP BY COUNTRIES AND LANGUAGES
In the investigation carried out by teams of the Cyber Crimes Combat Branch Directorate under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was determined that separate desks were set up according to countries and languages at the centers in Beyoğlu and Şişli. It was stated that the suspects directed the people they called to fake investment platforms with promises of high profits, and the invested money was transferred to the network's crypto accounts.
POLYGRAPH TEST FOR EMPLOYEES
It was alleged that employees hired through social media with the promise of a salary of 3,000 to 5,000 dollars were initially told that they would provide tourism consultancy. It was reported that employees' phones were collected at the entrance, and they were subjected to a "polygraph" test during hiring and exit processes in order to determine whether they had leaked information.
The investigation file also included a statement that an employee who allegedly stole money from the network in Ukraine was killed. However, the connection of the death to the network has not yet been clarified.
80 VEHICLES AND 20 MILLION LIRA IN CASH SEIZED
Within the scope of the operations, various assets including 80 vehicles, 12 real estate properties, and 20 million lira in cash were seized. It was stated that the investigation, in which the money flow is being examined, is being carried out in coordination with Europol.
On the other hand, the test results of some suspects who were subjected to the polygraph have also emerged.