Recently, Turkish police teamed up with intelligence agencies and Interpol to take down an international scam ring with ties to Israel.
The operation, led by prosecutors in Istanbul, saw police raiding 286 locations across Istanbul and Muğla Province. They targeted 28 companies and 42 call centers. Initially, 175 people were arrested, and the number has since risen to 201.
These companies used call centers as a front, advertising online with promises of high returns to lure victims from Europe, the Far East, and Africa. When victims tried to withdraw their money, the scammers would demand more funds, then transfer the money abroad.
Local media reported that among those arrested were 45 foreigners from 20 countries, including 9 Israelis. Investigations into their financial activities revealed transactions totaling 13 billion lira over the past two years. Authorities have frozen some assets and seized numerous cars and properties.
Law enforcement is still digging into the group's international connections.
