Turkey Cracks Down on Crypto Fraud Network Linked to Israelis
Turkish authorities have arrested over 201 suspects in a massive crypto fraud case, with a total loss of $3 billion. The scheme involved dozens of companies in the forex and cryptocurrency sectors, as well as call centers, which targeted investors worldwide.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, along with Turkey's National Intelligence Organization, police, and Interpol, conducted raids on hundreds of addresses in Istanbul and Mugla province. Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that the network was headed by 'Israeli fraud barons,' while the indictment referred to figures 'linked to Israel.'
Turkish media published the names of nine Israeli suspects, but at least some have been identified as Turkish Jews with dual citizenship or no Israeli citizenship at all. This has raised concerns about the national framing of the affair and potential prejudice against the suspects.
The case has significant implications for Turkey's relations with Israel, particularly given President Erdogan's recent attacks on 'the Zionist massacre network.' The timing of the announcement also coincides with accusations that Turkey is allowing money from Iran to flow to its proxy organizations through Turkish banks.