Turkish police have launched a major investigation against a criminal network accused of forming and leading an armed criminal organization, forgery of official documents, aggravated fraud, and violating anti-smuggling laws.
Authorities revealed that the network carried out 50 separate criminal acts involving 72 suspects.
Forgery and Fraud Through “Change” Vehicles
According to the investigation, the suspects took vehicles damaged in earthquakes or accidents and replaced their chassis and engine numbers with those of imported cars from abroad — a process known as “change.”
They then produced fake compliance certificates under the label “project vehicles,” selling the cars to unsuspecting buyers as if they were original and legitimate. This fraudulent scheme led to millions of lira in illegal profits.
43 Cars Seized and Forensic Evidence of Forgery Found
Out of 50 altered vehicles identified in the operation, 43 were seized.
Expert examinations confirmed forgery and tampering in all seized vehicles.
Simultaneous Raids Across 11 Provinces
Police conducted simultaneous operations coordinated from Istanbul across Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, Antalya, Batman, Düzce, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Rize, Şırnak, and Van.
As a result, 40 suspects were taken into custody.
Fugitives and Ongoing Investigations
Officials confirmed that four of the suspects are already in prison serving sentences or awaiting trial, while five others remain fugitives abroad.
Efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects are still ongoing.
