Illegal 20 Billion TL Money Transfer Revealed in Antalya

antalya, turkey - Authorities uncover illegal money transfer scheme using 'Hawala' method, involving kuyumcu and currency exchange office owners in Antalya.

Illegal Money Transfer Scheme Uncovered in Antalya

In Antalya, a total of 17 suspects, including kuyumcu and currency exchange office owners, were detained and referred to court for their involvement in an illegal 20 billion TL money transfer scheme using the 'Hawala' method. The suspects were found to be charging a 5% commission for the transfers.

An investigation initiated by the Kemer Public Prosecutor's Office and the Provincial Gendarmerie Command two years ago targeted individuals suspected of crimes such as 'Usury', 'Fraud', 'Robbery', and 'Money laundering from crime'. During the investigation, law enforcement officers examined security camera footage from a kuyumcu owned by A.K., revealing suspicious transactions involving individuals bringing or receiving large sums of money in bags without making purchases.

The investigation further unveiled that domestic and foreign individuals looking to make illegal money transfers would visit kuyumcu and currency exchange offices run by K.A., A.K., and D.C. and provide the desired amount to the suspects. Authorities discovered that the money transfers were conducted through the illegal 'Hawala' method, where individuals would send photos of coded documents or serial numbers of bills like 5, 10 TL or 1, 5, 10 dollars along with photos of the individuals sending/receiving the money.

It was determined that the kuyumcu and currency exchange office owners were taking a 5% commission from the illegal money transfers. Following the investigations, the 17 suspects were placed under technical and physical surveillance since April last year. Examination of their bank records revealed a significant increase in their financial transactions post-2020, with funds being transferred to crypto accounts. The suspects were found to have illegally transferred approximately 20 billion TL, charging a 5% commission, and acquired numerous assets.

Last Sunday, a joint operation involving the Gendarmerie General Command Intelligence Directorate and the Organized Crime Unit was conducted against the criminal organization. K.A., A.K., D.C., and 14 other suspects, including two women, were taken into custody and subsequently referred to the Kemer Courthouse today for legal proceedings.