Israelis Detained in Turkey Face Harsh Conditions Amid Forex Fraud Probe

Nine Israeli citizens have been detained in Turkey under severe conditions, reportedly being held in isolation and denied contact with their lawyers or Israeli consular officials. The detentions are linked to their alleged involvement in a large-scale foreign exchange (forex) fraud network suspected of defrauding victims of approximately $3 billion.

Sources close to the investigation describe the Turkish authorities' treatment of the detainees as extremely harsh, comparing it to that of terrorists or members of a criminal organization that has harmed Turkey's security. Authorities have allegedly "disappeared" the detainees to prevent any contact with individuals in Israel.

The investigation reveals a sophisticated international organization that operated covert service centers. Employees reportedly underwent polygraph tests to ensure they were not undercover police or security agents. They were offered substantial salaries and bonuses and were required to present impressive academic résumés to gain victims' trust in various languages.

Turkish police, in cooperation with Interpol, are actively searching for additional senior figures involved in the network. One high-ranking individual who evaded capture told Ma'ariv that the network "earned billions of dollars from the fraud" and that the main leaders are not in Turkey and have not been apprehended. This individual also stated that Turkish authorities seized only a few cars and a few hundred thousand dollars, failing to access the bulk of the illicit profits.