Turkey Charges 27 Social Media Creators in Adult-Content Crackdown

Turkish prosecutors have filed indictments against 27 prominent content creators and influencers, accusing them of distributing obscene material for profit and, in some cases, money laundering. The case is being heard in Istanbul after a months-long cyber investigation, and prosecutors are seeking prison terms of up to 10 years for each defendant.

The probe, led by the Istanbul chief prosecutor and financial-crimes investigators, examined bank accounts, money transfers, company records and assets linked to the suspects. Authorities said they uncovered suspicious money movements worth millions and inconsistencies between police statements and messages found on the women’s phones. A coordinated police operation in February led to 17 arrests, with warrants later issued for 25 people in total.

Among those now facing new arrest warrants are Gizem Bağdaçiçek, Burçin Erol, Serpil Cansız, Merve Taşkın and Zeynep Alkan. Officials also froze and seized assets valued at about 300 million Turkish lira ($19.3 million), including real estate, luxury apartments, bank accounts, crypto wallets, Mercedes, Peugeot, Mini Cooper and Yamaha vehicles. The article says the case is still ongoing and the women are expected to begin presenting their defense when the trial opens.