AI-powered fraud network in Istanbul targeting Europeans dismantled
Turkish police dismantled an international fraud network operating from Istanbul that used AI-powered software to impersonate officials and defraud European citizens, primarily from the Czech Republic. The operation, conducted in cooperation with Czech authorities, resulted in 51 arrests and seizure of equipment and digital materials.
What happened
A call center operating in a business center in Istanbul's Maslak district was dismantled following simultaneous operations at three locations. The network used AI-powered software to facilitate fraud operations targeting Europeans.
Staff at the center identified themselves by phone as police officers, prosecutors, soldiers, and bank officials to defraud European citizens, particularly those from the Czech Republic. The network employed 80 foreign nationals at the call center, who worked in separate departments organized by European country and used pre-prepared scenario scripts for fraudulent conversations.
Reported impact
The network defrauded numerous Europeans, particularly Czech citizens, obtaining high sums of money through the scheme. Proceeds from the crimes were transferred through bank accounts and cryptocurrency platforms to conceal the money trail.
Governance controls
The operation was conducted by Istanbul Police under coordination of the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office in cooperation with Czech judicial authorities through international judicial cooperation. Fifty-one suspects were detained and numerous digital materials, documents, and electronic devices were seized for examination.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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