Bilecik Police Department Security Branch teams have launched an investigation into suspects who allegedly defrauded several individuals by posing as the mayor, deputy mayor, and municipal financial support services manager over the phone. After a two-month-long surveillance, the teams determined that the suspects gained unjust profits of 3 million 500 thousand liras by gaining trust under the pretext of “aid to earthquake region”, issuing fake proforma invoices and municipal stamps, and obtaining ceramic, cleaning, and sports equipment from business owners and making shipments.
As part of the “Sancak Operation”, 8 suspects were apprehended in simultaneous raids on 13 addresses, 4 of which were warehouses, located in Ankara, Izmir, Kocaeli, and Kayseri, with Bilecik as the center. In Kocaeli, a separate operation prevented fraud involving sports equipment worth 845 thousand liras. The operation also led to the seizure of a significant amount of equipment and materials commonly used in various crimes.
The detained suspects were taken to the police station for processing before being transferred to the courthouse. Four of the suspects were arrested by the judge for the crimes of “establishing an organization with intent to commit a crime”, “aggravated fraud”, and “forgery of official documents”, while the others were released under judicial control.
The police department urged the public to be cautious of suspicious phone calls and to verify the identities of individuals claiming to represent public officials or government agencies. They advised individuals to refrain from sharing personal or financial information over the phone and to report any potential fraudulent activities to the authorities immediately.
The successful operation was praised by local authorities for cracking down on organized crime and ensuring the safety and security of residents in the region. The police department expressed their commitment to continue working diligently to combat fraud and other criminal activities, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative in the fight against crime.
The investigation into the fraudulent scheme is ongoing, with authorities working to gather more evidence and identify any additional suspects involved. The public is encouraged to come forward with any relevant information that may assist in the investigation and help bring those responsible to justice. Authorities reassured the community that efforts are being made to prevent similar scams and protect individuals from falling victim to fraudulent schemes in the future.
