Law enforcement agencies in Turkey have uncovered a criminal group that fraudulently obtained more than $1.32 million. They deceived local residents with fake "treasure" maps, Hurriyet reports.
According to reports, the suspects went to villages in the Tunceli region and offered local residents to find ancient treasures. They presented hand-drawn, artificially aged maps, claiming that valuable artifacts were buried in some places.
Scam scheme
Local residents, who believed the scammers, began digging in the places they indicated, and indeed found statues and other "ancient artifacts" underground. However, it was later revealed that the scammers had buried them in advance.
A person posing as a priest also joined the criminal scheme. He told the victims via video call that the found objects could not be sold in Turkey, but that there was a demand for them abroad. He also demanded a certain amount of money in exchange for selling them and finding a reliable buyer. As a result, the scammers managed to collect a total of $ 1.32 million.
Criminals arrested
Following complaints from people, the gendarmerie conducted special operations in nine provinces across the country. As a result, 25 suspects were arrested. During the searches, figurines, various SIM cards, weapons and foreign currency were seized from their homes.
The trial against these individuals is currently ongoing. According to the Turkish government, the public has been warned to beware of such fraudulent schemes.
Ctrl
Enter
Did you find a Mistake?
Highlight the phrase and press Ctrl+EnterRelated News
