The Izmir Republic Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Cyber Crimes Branch Directorate of the Police Department, conducted an operation against illegal betting and unlawful seizure of personal data. Through fake websites offering fake job opportunities such as “working from home”, “packaging soap at home”, “milk assistance”, and “municipal assistance”, 27 suspects were found to have obtained personal data of others unlawfully, opened accounts in their names without their knowledge or consent at payment institutions, and transferred illegal betting money.
A simultaneous operation was carried out in 11 provinces with Izmir as the center, resulting in the arrest of 24 suspects. It was revealed that the suspects had opened accounts for approximately 9,600 people without their knowledge or consent, and around 500 million lira from illegal betting activities were managed through these accounts. Numerous digital materials believed to have been used in the crime were seized during the operation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend 3 suspects who could not be found at their addresses.
The operation aimed to crackdown on the illegal activities of these suspects who were fraudulently obtaining personal data and using it for illegal betting purposes. The suspects were exploiting people’s personal information to open accounts in their names and engage in unlawful financial transactions. The authorities are taking strict measures against such cybercrimes to safeguard the personal data and financial security of citizens and prevent any further unlawful activities.
The operation has shed light on the increasing trend of cybercrimes targeting individuals through deceptive online advertisements promising fake job opportunities. By luring victims with misleading offers of supplemental income, the suspects were able to unlawfully access their personal information and exploit it for their own financial gain. Such criminal activities undermine the trust and security of online users, highlighting the need for enhanced vigilance and cybersecurity measures to protect against such fraudulent schemes.
The successful arrest of the suspects involved in this illegal betting and data theft operation demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement authorities to combat cybercrimes and protect the rights and privacy of individuals. By cracking down on those engaged in such unlawful activities, the authorities are sending a strong message that illegal betting and unlawful seizure of personal data will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable. The ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects show the determination of the authorities to bring all perpetrators to justice and prevent similar crimes from occurring in the future.
