Türkiye detains 306 in nationwide cybercrime crackdown

Turkish authorities have detained 306 people in a series of coordinated cybercrime operations carried out over the past five days across 14 provinces, the Interior Ministry said.

The operations were conducted under the coordination of the Cybercrime Department of the General Directorate of Security, in cooperation with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and local prosecutors’ offices, according to state broadcaster TRT Haber.

The ministry said the suspects are linked to a range of offences, including possession of child sexual abuse material, unauthorised access to mobile banking systems and online gaming accounts, organising illegal betting and gambling activities, and facilitating illicit money transfers.

Investigators also identified multiple cases of fraud conducted through social media platforms and phishing websites. These schemes included scams carried out under the guise of investment opportunities, internet service payments, and online sales.

Following initial court proceedings, 18 suspects have been formally arrested, while 16 others have been placed under judicial supervision. Legal processes concerning the remaining detainees are ongoing.

By Tamilla Hasanova