"Change auto" fraud involving vehicles damaged in the earthquake

12 suspects, who were determined to have made unfair profits by changing the engine and chassis numbers of heavily damaged vehicles, were detained in 3 provinces based in Ankara. As part of the investigation, assets worth approximately 183 million lira were seized.

In the investigation carried out under the coordination of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Provincial Police Department Public Order Branch teams examined the activities of the suspects who purchased vehicles that were heavily damaged in the earthquakes and were beyond repair.

It was determined that the suspects changed the engine and chassis numbers of vehicles with seizure and seizure records and vehicles brought from abroad illegally and sold these vehicles to third parties.

It was evaluated that the proceeds of crime were laundered by purchasing assets in the names of spouses, siblings, mothers and third parties.

Following the work, a simultaneous operation was organized at the addresses determined in Ankara, Tokat and Kırşehir. During the operations, 12 suspects were detained and 1 unlicensed gun was seized.

Legal proceedings were initiated against the suspects for "laundering property values ​​resulting from crime". While assets worth approximately 183 million lira were seized, it was reported that the investigation into the source of crime proceeds and related asset movements is continuing.