Turkey Links Israeli Investors to Massive Forex and Crypto Fraud Ring

Turkish authorities have arrested 202 individuals, including nine Israeli citizens, in connection with a large-scale international investment fraud scheme involving forex and cryptocurrency trading. The Turkish Ministry of Justice officially described the operation as a "major blow to an international fraud network connected to Israel." Investigations by financial crime authorities, intelligence services, police, and Interpol revealed that individuals with ties to Israel played a significant role in the ownership structure of the companies under scrutiny.

Turkish media outlets have amplified the allegations, with some publications labeling the operation as a "Mossad network," a claim not present in the official government statement. Reports suggest that phone centers and companies operating in Turkey lured foreign investors with promises of high returns on forex and crypto investments. When clients attempted to withdraw funds, they were allegedly pressured into making additional payments under various pretexts.

Turkish media reported the arrest of two additional Israelis, bringing the total number of Israeli suspects to 11, though this figure has not been officially confirmed. Among the named Israeli suspects are Anton Bihon, Jenny Kan, Hamza Guneyli, Ilker Hason, Caroline Hason, Sami Tobi, Yako Benhabib, Jacques Levy, Amit Yigal, Jacques Tobi (reportedly Robert Hason, an Israeli-Turkish dual citizen), and Alona Nutes Punkt. Alona Nutes Punkt was allegedly responsible for the financial aspects of the network and managing fund movements both within Turkey and abroad. Robert Hason is accused of managing five companies and playing a central role in the fraud.

Authorities seized assets valued at approximately 1.5 billion Turkish Lira (about $31 million), along with 80 vehicles and 12 real estate properties. Bank accounts, companies, and crypto assets have been frozen. The total turnover attributed to office expenses and salary payments for the companies involved reportedly reached about 13 billion Lira (around $266 million) in the past two years. Some reports claim that the accounts of six Israelis showed a total fund movement of approximately 121 million Lira ($2.5 million).