Istanbul police dismantle 25 million TL real estate fraud ring

Police in Istanbul have dismantled a fraud ring that defrauded 30 victims of approximately 25 million Turkish Lira through fake real estate advertisements. Operating like a family business, the suspects posted listings for affordable apartments on various websites, primarily targeting the Esenyurt district, to solicit reservation deposits from potential buyers.

Following an investigation by the Istanbul Police Department's Fraud Bureau, simultaneous operations were conducted on August 25 across Istanbul, Sinop, and Giresun. The raids resulted in the detention of 14 suspects. Authorities revealed that the group engaged in 30 separate fraudulent acts and had significant assets, including 23 real estate properties—such as houses, fields, and orchards—and six vehicles, all of which have been seized.

Criminal records indicate that several suspects have extensive prior offenses. The 14 detainees have been referred to the courthouse following their police processing.