Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office implemented a remarkable financial measure within the scope of the investigation carried out against Veysel Şahin, who was associated with illegal betting activities. In the file progressing in line with MASAK analyses, a decision was made to confiscate many financial items belonging to the suspect. It was reported that within the scope of the investigation process, 460 million Euros worth of crypto money was frozen in accounts abroad and procedures were ongoing for its return to Türkiye.
MASAK Findings Determined the Direction of the Investigation
In the investigations carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Smuggling, Narcotics and Economic Crimes Investigation Bureau, allegations of illegal betting and providing infrastructure for these platforms were examined. Financial analysis reports prepared by MASAK revealed strong indications that the suspect had obtained income from crime. In line with these findings, the investigation was deepened within the scope of crimes of violation of law no. 7258 and laundering of assets resulting from crime.
According to the information provided by the prosecutor’s office, many assets associated with ill-gotten gains were detected as a result of monitoring financial flows. In this context, proceedings were initiated against the suspect’s movable and immovable properties, company shares, partnership shares, and accounts in banks and financial institutions. Cryptocurrencies in the cryptocurrency market and stock exchanges were also included in the scope of the investigation.
The requests in the investigation file were evaluated by the Criminal Court of Peace and the seizure decisions were approved. Thus, it was aimed to prevent financial elements from changing hands and being laundered.
460 Million Euros of Cryptocurrency Frozen Abroad
The most striking development during the investigation was the high amount of crypto money determined to belong to the suspect. As a result of the studies, approximately 460 million Euros worth of crypto money was detected in Veysel Şahin’s accounts within companies operating on a global scale. The accounts were frozen by the global company where the assets in question were located.
Authorized units announced that the legal and technical process for the return of cryptocurrencies to Türkiye continues after the freezing process. It was reported that contacts with the relevant country authorities continue in the process carried out within the framework of international cooperation. The prosecutor’s office emphasized that the necessary steps were taken to include cryptocurrencies in the investigation file.
In the statement made by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, it was stated that the investigation was being carried out meticulously in all aspects. Information reflected to the public revealed that cryptocurrencies are also actively monitored in the fight against financial crimes.
