Izmir fake‑traffic‑accident fraud scheme nets about 200 million TL

Co‑ordinated by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Izmir Police Financial Crimes Directorate, a nationwide investigation uncovered an organised network that staged fictitious traffic accidents to claim insurance payouts. The scheme operated in at least five provinces – Izmir, Istanbul, Ankara, Ağrı and Antalya – and generated roughly 200 million lira in illegal gains.

Police raids conducted simultaneously in the five cities detained 48 suspects, while arrest warrants were issued for a total of 240 people identified as part of the ring. The alleged leaders, identified as Eyüp G. and Çağdaş İ., together with lawyer Arda A., were accused of directing the fraud. Seizures included fabricated accident reports, insurance documents, identification papers and extensive bookkeeping. Investigators also found that 17 lawyers had taken part in the collection of compensation payments.

The operation targeted the manipulation of insurance claims by arranging accidents in areas without surveillance cameras, photographing staged wrecks, submitting false damage reports to insurers and, when claims were denied, pursuing payments through arbitration or court proceedings. Authorities blocked the suspects’ bank accounts and continue to search for 14 fugitives.