Massive Modem Fraud Ring Busted in Turkey; 53 Arrested

Authorities in Turkey have dismantled a major fraud ring operating across 19 provinces, leading to the arrest of 53 individuals. The operation, coordinated by the Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and carried out by the Provincial Police Department's Anti-Fraud Bureau, targeted a sophisticated network that defrauded citizens through deceptive sales tactics.

The suspects allegedly contacted people by phone, claiming that internet infrastructure was changing and that old modems would soon be unusable. They used this pressure tactic to sell incompatible and non-functional modems at prices significantly below market value, often using cash-on-delivery methods. This scheme reportedly generated approximately 116 million Turkish Lira (around $3.6 million USD) in illicit revenue for the network.

An operation was launched on August 14, involving simultaneous raids in Eskişehir and 18 other provinces. Of the 90 suspects initially detained, 82 were referred to judicial proceedings. A court ordered the detention of 53 individuals, while 29 were released under judicial control measures. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seizing assets valued at 43.5 million Turkish Lira, including five cars, an apartment, a duplex villa, land, and bank and crypto accounts belonging to 13 companies.