Operation against those who sell personal data via Telegram: 92 detained
In the investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, 100 suspects were identified and 92 people were detained.
Quick Look
- An operation was carried out in 43 provinces, especially Istanbul, against complaints about citizens' personal data being sold on Telegram, being used for threats and blackmail, and bank and credit card information being used for shopping.
- 100 suspects were identified in the investigation; 22 of them are children.
- Detention orders were issued for 92 people.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
In the investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was determined that citizens' personal information was shared in Telegram groups and sold for a fee, used for threats and blackmail, bank and credit card information was used for shopping, and social media accounts were attempted to be seized through unauthorized access.
Following complaints that personal data belonging to citizens were sold for a certain amount through the Telegram application, used for threat/blackmail purposes, shopping was carried out with bank-credit card information and shared on social media, action was taken against 100 people, 22 of whom were children, in 43 provinces, especially in Istanbul.
In the investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, detention orders were issued for 92 people.
The statement made by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the issue is as follows:
"As a result of the studies carried out using the artificial intelligence-supported AVCI Project developed by the Istanbul Cyber Crimes Department, personal information of our citizens (Name-Surname, GSM Number, TR Identity Number, etc.) obtained through unauthorized access was shared in the groups in the social media application called Telegram and this information was sold for a certain fee, the information in question was used for the purpose of threat/blackmail on various issues, especially events that caused outrage in the public, and our citizens' bank/credit card information was shared and shopped." It has been determined that posts were made to obtain unauthorized access to applications such as social media, which contain the personal information of our citizens.
As a result of the research and technical studies carried out on the subject, a total of 100 suspicious persons (22 of whom are Children in Judicial Process) were identified in 43 provinces, especially in Istanbul, who were found to be sharing in the illegal groups in question. "Due to the fact that 8 suspects are in the penal institution, detention orders have been issued for 92 people."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Legal proceedings will be initiated against the detained suspect and punishment may be imposed.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- No detailed information was given about the identities and organizational structure of the suspects.
- An exact number of how many people's data was compromised was not stated.
- It was not clearly stated what legal proceedings would be initiated against the detained suspects.
