Turkey police uncover major embezzlement and gold theft cases

Turkish authorities have uncovered two significant embezzlement and money laundering cases in Istanbul.

In the first case, an employee named Onur Y. was arrested for stealing approximately 3 kilograms of gold from a jewelry shop in the Fatih district. Despite initially admitting to stealing only 600 grams and attempting to settle with the owner, a detailed audit revealed the larger theft. The suspect, who earned a monthly salary of 40,000 TL, had used the stolen assets to purchase a triplex villa and two apartments in Tekirdağ. He faces charges of abuse of duty and money laundering.

In a separate major investigation, an accounting manager identified as Mesut A. was detained along with 18 accomplices for embezzling 122 million TL from a consulting firm between 2021 and 2026. Investigators found that the funds were transferred to personal and relative's accounts. Mesut A. reportedly spent 60 million TL on gambling in Cyprus and Georgia, and over 5 million TL on aesthetic surgeries for his partner. Police have seized 12 luxury vehicles and five properties believed to be acquired through these illicit funds.