Türkiye’s security forces have carried out a large-scale, multi-province operation targeting individuals involved in cybercrime activities, the Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Wednesday.

According to Yerlikaya’s statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, 61 suspects were detained in simultaneous operations conducted by gendarmerie units across nine provinces. The coordinated raids uncovered financial transactions amounting to nearly 200 million Turkish liras, highlighting the vast scale of the network’s criminal operations.

Following initial interrogations, authorities confirmed that 27 suspects were formally arrested, while 17 others were placed under judicial control pending further investigation. Legal proceedings against the remaining detainees are still ongoing.

Minister Yerlikaya said the suspects were allegedly engaged in online fraud schemes, using counterfeit websites and fake advertisements for the sale of gift cards, furniture, and other goods on social media platforms. In addition to financial crimes, the group is accused of illegally obtaining personal data through unauthorized online search panels and hacking into citizens’ social media accounts.

According to the minister, the suspects used the stolen accounts to spread terrorist propaganda and manipulate online discussions, combining cyber fraud with digital disinformation campaigns.

Yerlikaya emphasized that Türkiye’s security forces remain determined to combat cybercrime and protect citizens’ online security, stating: “Our struggle against those who commit crimes in the digital sphere, defraud citizens, and spread terrorist propaganda will continue with determination.”

The Interior Ministry has recently intensified efforts to target online criminal networks involved in financial scams, data theft, and digital terrorism, as part of Türkiye’s broader initiative to strengthen cybersecurity and public trust in digital platforms.

Authorities encouraged citizens to remain vigilant against suspicious online advertisements and to report fraudulent activities immediately to law enforcement channels.

The large-scale operation marks another step in Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on organized cybercrime rings, reflecting the government’s growing focus on securing the digital landscape amid the rapid expansion of e-commerce and online communication. (ILKHA)