Multi-million fraud network: the SSU shut down call centers of Koç Serdem and Çağrı Öztürk that scammed EU and Turkish citizens
The Security Service of Ukraine announced a major special operation, revealing a network of call centers based in Ukraine that targeted citizens of EU countries and Turkey. The operation was headed by Koç Serdem and Çağrı Öztürk.
Fraza reports that the scheme had been running for years, generating millions in profit for its organizers.
Investigators say the scammers disguised their operations as legitimate services while actually committing fraud, deception, and extorting money from unsuspecting clients.
The organizers established dozens of call centers in Ukraine, where operators called abroad, posing as well-known brands or services, offering «profitable» goods and investments. After making an advance payment, the victims were left with nothing.
The money passed through a series of accounts, was converted into cash, and withdrawn abroad.
Preliminary estimates suggest the amounts involved reach tens of millions of dollars.
Who is behind the scheme
A key figure is Koch Serdem, also known as Asmi or Bahar. She controlled the top of the criminal network. However, after the special operation, she disappeared from sight – as it turned out, she was deported from Ukraine.
This move became a kind of signal to allies: Ukraine will not shelter Eastern scammers who use its territory to target citizens of other countries. In Ankara, there is dissatisfaction with the scale of the scam, which affected their compatriots. According to sources, the Turkish government insists on criminal prosecution of Asmi.
In other words, the deportation of the “queen of scammers” may just be the beginning — a real trial awaits her ahead.
Multi-million fraud network: the SSU shut down call centers of Koç Serdem and Çağrı Öztürk that scammed EU and Turkish citizens
Another character — Cagrı Ozturk, a well-known television scam seller in Turkey.
His name appears in numerous scandals: he sold iPhones to trusting buyers but sent them toy phones instead. A Facebook page was even created where victims share their experiences of dealing with the scammer.
Multi-million fraud network: the SSU shut down call centers of Koç Serdem and Çağrı Öztürk that scammed EU and Turkish citizens
It has now become known that Ozturk was involved in Ukrainian call centers as one of the «suppliers» of fraudulent schemes.
According to the SSU, the organization was controlled by representatives of Eastern nationalities, who were also often the victims. The most cynical aspect – they primarily deceived their own compatriots.
The SSU stated that the leaders of the network will be punished, and the case will be brought to court.
On an international level, the case could set a precedent: the crimes spanned several countries, and now coordination between Ukraine, Turkey, and the EU is needed to track down the organizers.