The Interior Minister of Turkey, Ali Yerlikaya, announced on his social media account that a cyber operation called Sibergöz-33 had been conducted in Mersin, Istanbul, Hakkari, Tekirdağ, and Niğde under the coordination of the General Command of Gendarmerie Cyber Crimes Branch. The operation aimed to combat qualified fraud, illegal betting, and child pornography crimes committed using information systems. Yerlikaya stated that 16 suspects had been arrested during the operation and revealed that initial investigations detected a money flow of 18.5 million Turkish liras in the suspects’ bank accounts. Additionally, law enforcement seized 18 cell phones, 13 computers, numerous SIM cards, portable storage devices, CDs, cameras, and a substantial amount of Turkish currency.
In another operation known as Sibergöz-34, 47 individuals were detained for committing qualified fraud and money laundering crimes in 11 different cities. Yerlikaya disclosed that the National Police Cyber Crimes Branch coordinated by the Kocaeli Police Cyber Crime Unit carried out the operation in Kocaeli, Adana, Istanbul, Samsun, Gaziantep, Mersin, Izmir, Denizli, Düzce, Ordu, and Bursa. The suspects were found to be placing advertisements on the e-commerce platform Facebook Marketplace for items such as containers and electric cars. After establishing contact with citizens, the suspects would demand money under the pretext of the “product cost,” ultimately obtaining illicit gains. The operations resulted in the confiscation of numerous digital materials.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya congratulated the security forces who conducted the operations for their successful efforts in combating cybercrime. He emphasized the importance of addressing online crimes and ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the digital realm. Yerlikaya’s statements highlighted the government’s commitment to cracking down on cyber-related offenses and protecting the public from various forms of digital fraud and exploitation. The operations serve as a deterrent against cybercriminal activities and aim to maintain a safe and secure online environment for all individuals in the country.
The cyber operations conducted in multiple provinces across Turkey underscore the government’s proactive approach in tackling cybercrime and safeguarding citizens from online threats. In a constantly evolving digital landscape, law enforcement agencies are leveraging advanced technologies and investigative techniques to identify and apprehend individuals engaged in cyber-related offenses. The coordinated efforts of the Gendarmerie Cyber Crimes Branch and the National Police Cyber Crimes Branch have led to the successful arrest of numerous suspects involved in fraudulent activities, money laundering, and other digital crimes. These operations demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures and ensuring the integrity of online platforms.
The significant financial transactions detected in the suspects’ bank accounts during the cyber operations reveal the magnitude of illicit activities and financial fraud being perpetrated through online channels. By monitoring and tracking suspicious financial movements, authorities can disrupt criminal networks and prevent further financial losses to victims. The seizure of electronic devices and digital materials during the operations provides valuable evidence for investigations and prosecutions, enabling law enforcement to dismantle criminal operations and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. These efforts are crucial in maintaining the rule of law and upholding justice in the digital sphere.
As cybercrimes continue to pose a threat to individuals and businesses in the digital age, the government’s proactive stance in combating online offenses is essential for preserving the integrity of digital platforms and safeguarding users from exploitation. The Interior Minister’s recognition of the security forces’ efforts in conducting successful cyber operations highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies in addressing cyber-related challenges. Through continuous monitoring, intelligence gathering, and swift action, authorities can effectively combat cybercrime and ensure a secure online environment for all citizens. The public can also play a role in protecting themselves by staying vigilant, practicing safe online behaviors, and reporting any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
