14.02.2026 13:50
In an operation conducted in 7 provinces centered in Tekirdağ, 19 suspects were arrested for defrauding 236 people of approximately 46 million TL through promises of "magic" on social media before Valentine's Day.
In coordination with the Tekirdağ Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a criminal network that introduced themselves as "sorcerers," "mediums," and "spiritual teachers" was uncovered by the teams of the Tekirdağ Provincial Police Department's Public Order Branch.
THEY INSTILLED FEAR BY SAYING "YOU HAVE A HEAVY CURSE ON YOU"
It was determined that the suspects reached out to citizens using social media algorithms, especially before Valentine's Day on February 14, instilling fear by saying "you have a heavy curse on you" and organizing fake rituals. The suspects, who demanded money under the pretense of writing amulets, breaking curses, making charms, and offering sacrifice fees, were found to be selling materials with no religious or scientific basis at exorbitant prices.
BUTTON PRESSED IN 7 PROVINCES
It was revealed that the personal data and special situations of the victims were also used as elements of threat and blackmail. As a result of technical and physical surveillance, simultaneous operations were carried out in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Diyarbakır, Afyonkarahisar, and Gaziantep, centered in Tekirdağ.
19 PEOPLE ARRESTED
In the operations, 1 unlicensed pistol, 2 blank-firing pistols, 2 unlicensed shotguns, a large number of materials deemed to be used in spell-making, 39 thousand TL in cash, and many mobile phones, computers, and external drives were seized. While 6 of the detained suspects were released under judicial control, 19 people were arrested and sent to prison for "qualified fraud by exploiting religious beliefs and feelings," "blackmail," and "establishing, managing, and being a member of a criminal organization."