Turkey's Interior Ministry arrests 357 suspects in 18‑province cyber crime operation

Turkey's Interior Ministry announced that, over a five‑day period, police forces carried out simultaneous raids in 18 provinces, detaining a total of 357 individuals suspected of involvement in organized cyber‑crime networks. Of those, 194 were ordered to prison, while 36 were placed under judicial control and the remaining suspects continue to face legal procedures.

The coordinated crackdown was led by the General Directorate of Police's Cybercrime Division together with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and public prosecutors. Investigations uncovered a range of illegal activities, including point‑of‑sale (POS) fraud, phishing and investment‑scam schemes, unauthorized access to mobile banking and gaming accounts, distribution of child sexual content, and operation of illegal betting and gambling platforms.

Authorities highlighted that the operation disrupted extensive networks that used digital channels to defraud citizens, launder money and expose vulnerable users to illicit gambling and harmful content. The ministry pledged that the fight against cyber‑criminals will continue with the same determination across the country.