Fugitive sentenced to over 33 years for fraud arrested in Istanbul

A man sentenced to more than 33 years in prison for dozens of fraud offences has been arrested in Istanbul following a nationwide operation in Türkiye.

The suspect, identified as E.A., had received a final sentence of 33 years and 6 months for 52 counts of fraud involving the use of banking and credit institution information systems, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The arrest was carried out by the Gendarmerie Crime Investigation Team (JASAT), operating under the command of the Gümüşhane Provincial Gendarmerie. Authorities said the suspect had been tracked across several provinces during the manhunt.

Investigators initially followed leads to the western province of Yalova, before determining that the fugitive had relocated to the Gaziosmanpaşa district of Istanbul.

JASAT units subsequently conducted an operation in Istanbul, where E.A. was taken into custody.

Following his transfer to judicial authorities, the suspect was formally arrested and sent to Metris Prison, a high-security facility in Istanbul.

By Sabina Mammadli