'Change' operation in 12 provinces: 37 vehicles seized, 32 people apprehended

Details of the large-scale operation have emerged. As a result of an investigation conducted by the Konya Police Department, it was determined that a 'change' process was carried out by transferring the chassis and engine numbers of vehicles that had been scrapped due to reasons such as earthquakes, traffic accidents, or fires, onto stolen or impounded vehicles. It was understood that vehicles continuing on the road through this method were sold to third parties, generating millions of liras in illicit profit.

In simultaneous raids carried out in numerous provinces, a total of 37 vehicles were seized: 21 in Konya, 3 in Istanbul, 2 each in Diyarbakır, Kayseri, and Antalya, and 1 each in Ankara, Sakarya, Amasya, Hatay, Malatya, Şırnak, and Samsun. Examinations determined that all of them had been subjected to the 'change' process.

According to findings obtained by the police, it was stated that the market value of the vehicles seized within the scope of the operation was approximately 75 million liras. In the investigation, money transfers estimated to have originated from crime, amounting to approximately 25 million liras, were also detected among the suspects. Details of the ongoing investigation emphasized that the suspects, who acted in an organized manner, continued their forgery activities in the provinces where they operated.

During the operation, 50 teams and a total of 150 police officers took part. Searches were conducted at 15 residences and 7 workplaces. During the searches, numerous sales contracts, powers of attorney, license plates without registration, various vehicle registration documents, and a shotgun were seized.

While the processing of the 32 detained suspects continues at the police station, it was learned that the ongoing investigation will be deepened and expanded in light of new connections and evidence.

News Source: 12punto