Elderly Couple in Bursa Defrauded of 100 Million Lira: 6 Suspects Detained

An elderly couple in Bursa was defrauded of approximately 100 million lira by an organized crime group posing as police. A comprehensive investigation was launched by the Mudanya Public Prosecutor's Office and the Bursa Police Department's Anti-Fraud Bureau.The suspects, who contacted the elderly couple using open lines obtained from abroad, introduced themselves as police officers and opened multiple phone lines and bank accounts in the couple's names, claiming that these accounts were being used by terrorist organizations. The suspects convinced the couple to hand over their jewelry for inspection, stating that it was necessary for investigation purposes.The investigation revealed that the suspects had obtained approximately 4.25 million lira worth of foreign currency and jewelry, used the couple's credit cards for 7.6 million lira through shell companies, and sold the couple's 7 properties at a price much lower than their market value.During the 2.5-month fraud process, the suspects caused the elderly couple a total loss of 100 million lira and sent someone to the couple's home to delete phone records and evidence.After determining that the initial calls were made from abroad, the teams conducted technical and physical surveillance for 6 months. The examination of approximately 70 hours of footage from 40 security cameras led to the identification of the suspects.In simultaneous operations conducted in Bursa, Istanbul, Mersin, Şanlıurfa, Rize, Artvin, Aydın, Konya, and the Sarp Border Gate, 14 suspects were taken into custody. Many digital materials were seized during searches of the suspects' addresses, and 3 vehicles were confiscated, suspected of being obtained through crime.Six of the suspects were detained, while five were released under judicial control. Three suspects were released by the prosecutor's office.Meanwhile, it was learned that three suspects involved in the investigation were already in prison for other crimes.