Ankara Based Crypto Currency Operation in 21 Cities: Major Fraud

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced one of the largest cryptocurrency fraud operations in Turkey in recent days. The operation, organized in Ankara, was simultaneously conducted in 21 different provinces. Coordinated by the Cyber Crimes Department of the General Directorate of Security, the operation was named CYBEREYE-42. As a result of the operation, 127 suspects involved in international fraudulent activities and determined to have obtained an unfair gain of 1 billion dollars were detained.

$1 billion cryptocurrency fraud operation

The Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, who provided details about the operation, stated that the operation was carried out simultaneously in Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Eskişehir, Usak, Aydin, Mugla, Kutahya, Corum, Balikesir, Denizli, Adana, Bursa, Malatya, Tekirdag, Isparta, Karabuk, Konya, Sirnak, and Samsun. In the raids conducted within the scope of the operation, a large number of digital materials and equipment used in fraudulent activities were seized. In addition, 177 immovable properties and 61 movable assets were confiscated. Furthermore, one licensed pistol and one gas pistol were also seized in the operation.

"SİBERGÖZ-42" operations were carried out against individuals who committed qualified fraud crimes with the promise of "High Profit with Zero Risk" through the so-called crypto asset buying/selling platform called "Smart Trade Coin" in Ankara-based 2️⃣1️⃣ province.

\u003e 1️⃣ Billion Dollars in unjust gains... pic.twitter.com/4NTV0cUhP9

\u003e — Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) May 30, 2024

At the center of the operation, it has been revealed that the cryptocurrency platform called Smart Trade Coin trapped citizens with the promise of "high profits with zero risk." This platform created a pyramid scheme by selling bot applications that automatically perform buy-sell transactions to its users and encouraging existing users to bring in new users. It is stated that users were convinced to join the system with the belief that they would make high profits through this method, and as a result, they suffered significant losses.

"### There is also an international dimension to fraud"

Smart Trade Coin has been found to engage in fraudulent activities not only in Turkey but also at the international level. In this context, it has been revealed that the platform has victimized thousands of people worldwide and gained unjust profits exceeding 1 billion dollars. Minister of Interior Yerlikaya emphasized that the fight against such fraudulent activities will continue resolutely and urged citizens to be cautious against such promises.

Operation result, it was reported that the 127 suspects detained face charges such as fraud, illegal profit making, establishing a pyramid scheme, and committing crimes at an international level. It was stated that the interrogation of the suspects at the police station is ongoing and the legal process will be conducted meticulously. Minister Yerlikaya stated that measures against similar fraud activities will be increased and necessary steps will be taken to raise awareness among the citizens.

Security measures in the digital world

The increase in such incidents once again highlighted how important security measures are in the digital world. It was emphasized that those who want to invest in cryptocurrency should prefer licensed and reliable platforms. In addition, it was stated that caution should be exercised against platforms that make various promises with high profit commitments. The Ministry of the Interior stated that citizens should be cautious against such fraudulent attempts and should immediately report suspicious situations to the authorities.

As a result, this major operation conducted in 21 provinces based in Ankara demonstrated how serious the measures taken against cryptocurrency fraud are. The statements of the Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, were considered an important step in raising awareness among citizens and protecting them against such fraudulent activities. Once again, it was emphasized that citizens need to be more cautious and aware in order to prevent such incidents from happening again.

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