Turkey Arrests Nine Israelis in $266 Million International Fraud Ring

Turkish authorities have arrested numerous suspects, including nine Israeli citizens, in connection with an alleged international fraud network that reportedly amassed at least $266 million. The Turkish Minister of Justice, Yılmaz Tunç, stated that the main owners of the network are "linked to Israel," though he also noted that suspects hail from many countries.

The arrests are part of a broad crackdown by Turkish law enforcement. According to Turkish media reports, the nine Israelis are suspected of involvement in the international fraud scheme. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is "handling the incident and working to ensure the rights of the Israeli citizens are preserved."

While the minister emphasized the alleged Israeli links, the majority of those detained are Turkish nationals. The investigation also involves citizens from Iran, Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt. Reports indicate suspects from Thailand, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, Mexico, and Argentina may also be part of the network.

Tunç announced that the fraud network operated across Europe, the Far East, and Africa, defrauding victims of at least $266 million. He wrote on X that the "organized fraud network that attacked several countries was exposed after we determined that its main owners are linked to Israel." The operation, conducted with the Turkish Intelligence Agency and Interpol, involved searches at 236 locations in Istanbul and Muğla.

Victims reportedly lost sums ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The minister added that the network recruited victims through customer service representatives who spoke various languages.