Minister of Interior Announces Arrests in Istanbul-Based Cryptocurrency Operation Involving 30 Billion Lira

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on his official social media account that an operation was underway against individuals involved in cryptocurrency fraud on social media platforms.
It was reported that individuals who had organized a pyramid scheme and defrauded citizens had their cryptocurrency wallets, worth 30 billion lira, confiscated.
Yerlikaya stated that a total of 21 individuals were apprehended in the operation named “SİBERAĞ-15”. Out of the 21, 18 were arrested while the remaining 3 were released under judicial supervision.
Additionally, it was revealed that 752 bank and cryptocurrency accounts were seized as a result of the operation.
“In the ‘SIBERAĞ-15’ operations conducted by the Gendarmerie across 9 provinces, individuals involved in Aggravated Fraud and Money Laundering stemming from Criminal Activity were targeted. A total of 21 suspects were apprehended, whose accounts showed a transaction volume of 30 billion 478 million 473 thousand Turkish lira between 2017 and 2024, all associated with the pyramid scheme.
Furthermore, 752 bank and cryptocurrency accounts were seized during the operations.
“Our prosecutors have launched an investigation against these individuals for broadcasting advertisements on social media platforms, promising high profits and deceiving numerous citizens through the pyramid scheme, resulting in unjust gains.”
A total of 21 suspects, with accounts showing a transaction volume of 30 billion 478 million 473 thousand Turkish lira, were apprehended and 752 bank and cryptocurrency accounts were seized.
The Gendarmerie carried out operations in 9 provinces targeting the crimes of Aggravated Fraud and Money Laundering stemming from Criminal Activity…
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— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya)
January 16, 2025
*This is not investment advice.