Three individuals were arrested in Istanbul on August 29, 2022 after pretending to be police officers and tricking a woman into handing over approximately 450,000 lira worth of foreign currency and gold from her home. The suspects had called the woman, claiming that her husband was involved in a crime and would be going to prison, instructing her to hand over the money for inspection. The woman realized she had been scammed and contacted the police after complying with their demands.
The three suspects were apprehended shortly after by the police, along with the foreign currency and gold. They were subsequently sentenced to 7 years and 6 months in prison each, as well as fined 1.5 million lira per person by a local court.
Following their conviction, the suspects filed an appeal through their lawyers, challenging the court’s decision. The Regional Court of Appeals dismissed their appeal on the merits, prompting the suspects to bring their case to the Court of Cassation. The 11th Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation rejected their appeal on the merits, upholding the original sentence.
The Court of Cassation stated in its justification for the decision that the trial procedures were conducted in accordance with the law and regulations. It also noted that the actions of the defendants had been established, the conviction was based on solid evidence, and the appropriate sanctions were determined in accordance with the nature of the crimes committed.
The Court of Cassation ruling solidified the lower court’s decision, reaffirming the guilt of the three individuals involved in the fraud scheme. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant against scams and fraudulent schemes, and highlights the swift response and effectiveness of law enforcement in apprehending those responsible for such crimes. The decision also underscores the significance of the judicial system in ensuring justice and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
