Turkish Authorities Crack Down on Visa Scammers Targeting 49 Suspects
Turkish authorities launched a major operation against visa fraud on Tuesday, targeting 49 suspects in six provinces. According to Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, the investigation was sparked by allegations that individuals and companies were using automated software to secure large numbers of visa appointments and charging applicants high fees.
The operations were carried out at 63 addresses across Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Balikesir, Bursa, and Izmir, with judicial procedures launched to apprehend the suspects. The investigation focused on companies operating under the guise of visa consultancy services, which allegedly used bots to access online appointment systems and secure appointments in bulk.
The authorities found that applicants were charged large amounts under descriptions such as 'software,' 'consultancy,' and 'service fees' in exchange for guarantees that visas or appointments would be obtained within specified periods. It was also discovered that fees were not refunded when promised services were not provided, and applicants' personal information was transferred to private digital systems.
A review by the Tax Inspection Board found over ₺2.84B ($59.49M) in financial activity in accounts linked to the companies under investigation between January 2024 and July 2026. The investigation also identified extensive transactions involving cash, crypto assets, and precious metals.