31 arrested in Turkey over 'internet modem fraud' operation

Authorities in Turkey have arrested 31 individuals in connection with a large-scale "internet modem fraud" operation centered in Kayseri. The cybercrime unit of the Kayseri Provincial Police Department, under the coordination of the Kayseri Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, identified 53 suspects during a technical follow-up related to qualified fraud.

Investigators determined that the suspects created websites mimicking legitimate internet service providers. They then defrauded citizens seeking these services by using mobile phone lines with unknown real users. Through 12 shell companies, the group allegedly defrauded 17,156 citizens. According to a report from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), the total transaction volume across their bank accounts reached 757,564,454 Turkish Lira.

Simultaneously, an operation was conducted targeting suspects who had defrauded 204 citizens in Kayseri, causing a total loss of 1,113,530 Turkish Lira. Arrests were made in Ankara, Kocaeli, Istanbul, Bursa, Antalya, and Mersin. Following legal proceedings, 31 of the suspects were remanded in custody, while 16 others were released under judicial control.