Turkey detains 28 in Gaziantep-led forex and VAT fraud operation
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Turkish authorities detained 28 suspects in a Gaziantep-centered operation across five provinces targeting illegal forex transfers and fraudulent VAT refunds. The operation targeted 34 suspects and 11 companies, with six suspects still being sought.
Key Facts
- 28 of 34 suspects were detained in the operation, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining six.
- Investigators identified over 13.76 billion Turkish lira in account movements linked to the suspects and companies.
- Authorities seized movable and immovable assets worth approximately 570 million Turkish lira.
- The operation was coordinated by the Gaziantep Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and covered five provinces.
- Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the operation on social media.
Operation Details
The operation targeted 34 suspects and 11 companies across five provinces centered on Gaziantep. Suspects allegedly brought foreign currency into Turkey illegally and transferred it abroad through various individuals and companies. They also obtained unjust VAT refunds using high-value invoices, causing losses to the state. The Gaziantep Chief Public Prosecutor's Office coordinated the investigation.
Financial Findings
Account movements exceeding 13.76 billion Turkish lira were detected in the accounts of the suspects and companies. Authorities seized movable and immovable assets worth approximately 570 million Turkish lira. The seized assets belonged to the suspects.
Official Statements
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the operation on his social media account. Gürlek stated that the investigation was coordinated by the Gaziantep Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. He confirmed that 28 suspects had been detained and efforts to capture the remaining six were ongoing.
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Turkey detains 28 in Gaziantep-led forex and VAT fraud operation
