Turkey: 35 Arrested in Nationwide 'Fake Car Rental' Fraud Operation

An anti-fraud operation targeting a "fake car rental" scheme has led to the arrest of 46 suspects across 23 Turkish provinces. The operation, coordinated by the Gebze Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and carried out by Kocaeli Police Department teams, began on April 7.

Investigators determined that the suspects defrauded citizens through fake car rental websites. They allegedly used search engine advertising to boost these sites' visibility. The suspects contacted individuals via phone numbers listed in the ads, creating an impression of a legitimate company. They then instructed victims to deposit money into various accounts for alleged insurance, kasko, and deposit fees.

The suspects are believed to be involved in numerous similar fraud incidents not only in Kocaeli but also in other provinces. Financial analysis, based on data from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), estimates the total illicit financial gains from these activities to be approximately 954,974,000 Turkish Lira (roughly $30 million USD).

During the operation, which involved special forces and took place between May 19-22, authorities seized numerous digital materials from the suspects' addresses. Following legal proceedings, 35 of the suspects were remanded in custody by a court. Ten suspects were released under judicial control, and one was freed after questioning by the prosecutor.