İYİ Party MP Defrauded of Gold and Cash by Imposters Posing as Police

A member of Turkey's İYİ Party, Burhanettin Kocamaz, fell victim to a sophisticated scam, losing approximately 10 kilograms of gold and millions of Turkish Lira, along with foreign currency. The fraud was orchestrated by individuals who impersonated police officers from the Mersin Anti-Terror Branch.

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They also mentioned some real estate registered in my name. Because of this, I thought what they were saying might be true.

Kocamaz detailed in his statement to prosecutors how the scammers contacted him and his wife, presenting themselves as law enforcement officials. They sent fake identification cards and official-looking documents via WhatsApp, claiming that fake IDs bearing Kocamaz's name had been found on individuals arrested in a terrorism operation. They also alleged that numerous bank accounts had been opened in his name.

Believing the claims, especially after the scammers mentioned specific real estate properties registered under his name, Kocamaz was convinced of the operation's legitimacy. The fraudsters instructed him to transfer money, assuring him it was for an anti-terrorism operation and would be returned afterward. He complied, sending a total of 2,375,000 Turkish Lira to two separate bank accounts.

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When the person said the correct password, I handed over the bag containing the money and gold.

The scam escalated when the perpetrators claimed the gold and foreign currency at his home needed to be examined in a laboratory. Kocamaz photographed the assets and sent the images. He then handed over the bag containing the money and gold after the individual on the phone correctly stated a password, "Bayrak" (Flag), which had been communicated to him earlier. Authorities have apprehended some suspects, but efforts to capture another continue.

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They told me that the money was under state guarantee and would be returned after the operation.