While cryptocurrencies, one of the most popular investment tools of recent years, offer great opportunities for investors on the one hand, they have also become the target of fraudsters on the other. Most recently, a major cryptocurrency fraud scandal affecting thousands of people across the country has come to light. While the victims cannot get their money back, the scale of the incident is growing day by day. Here are all the details of this massive fraud operation…
How Did the Fraud Take Place?
Taking advantage of the fact that the cryptocurrency market is not yet fully regulated, the fraudsters created fake cryptocurrency platforms and investment projects. These platforms were attracting investors with promises of high returns. Thousands of people were directed to these platforms, especially through social media ads and seemingly “reliable” influencer posts.
After registering on the platforms, the victims deposited money into their cryptocurrency wallets. Investors who initially received small amounts of returns were encouraged to deposit more money. However, after investors deposited large sums of money, access to the platforms was cut off and the fraudsters disappeared.
The Story of the Victims
Among the victims of the incident are elderly people who deposited their retirement salaries, young investors who wanted to invest their savings, and even those who are new to the world of crypto currencies. One victim said, “At first, I deposited small amounts of money and quickly got returns. Then I deposited all my savings, but when I woke up one morning, I saw that the platform had disappeared.”
Another victim said, “I was directed to this platform by a post from someone I trusted on social media. But it was all a scam. I lost all my savings.”
Operation and Investigation
Following the revelation of the incident, the police units and cyber crime units took action. In the technical examinations, it was determined that the fraudsters used overseas servers and concealed the transactions in a complex way. However, the identities of the fraudsters were identified by following the digital traces.
Within the scope of the operation, simultaneous raids were carried out in 5 different provinces. In the raids, 15 suspects were detained, including the person alleged to be the leader of the fraud ring. Among those detained are software developers who manage fake platforms, people who manage social media accounts, and those who organize financial transactions.
Evidence Seized
During the operation, computers, mobile phones, fake documents, and crypto currency wallets belonging to the suspects were seized. In the investigations, it was revealed that the suspects stole over 10 million dollars from the victims in total. It was also determined that the suspects transferred money to overseas accounts and used this money for a luxurious lifestyle.
Statement from Officials
Making a statement about the operation, the officials said, “Crypto currency fraud has become an increasing problem in recent years. We warn our citizens to be careful, especially against platforms that promise high returns. Our fight against such fraud will continue with determination.”
Measures to be Taken Against Crypto Currency Fraud
Experts offer the following recommendations on measures to be taken against crypto currency fraud:
- Do Your Research: Before investing, research the platform’s history and reliability.
- Beware of High Return Promises: Stay away from platforms that promise extremely high returns.
- Use Official Sources: Make your crypto currency transactions through reliable and official platforms.
- Protect Your Personal Information: Never share your account information and private keys with anyone.
- Report Suspicious Situations: In case of suspected fraud, contact the police units as soon as possible.
Victims’ Rights and Legal Process
Within the scope of the legal process, victims can apply to get their lost money back. However, it is stated that this process may be long and complex due to the anonymity of crypto currency transactions and the use of overseas accounts. Experts recommend that victims seek their legal rights through lawyers.
This scandal has once again revealed the risks of the crypto currency market. It is of great importance for investors to be more conscious and careful in order to prevent such frauds. The authorities continue their efforts to regulate the crypto currency market and strengthen the supervision mechanisms.
