Travel ban lifted for famous influencers

At the hearing held at the Istanbul Anatolian 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance, a decision was made to lift the travel ban on social media influencer Özlem Altınok Öz, her husband Tayyar Taylan Öz, and their partner İbrahim Karaorhanlı, who are accused of concealing the source of their assets. The defendants face potential prison sentences ranging from 3 to 7 years.

Only the defendant İbrahim Karaorhanlı, who is being tried without arrest, and his lawyer Mustafa Tırtır attended the final hearing of the case. Attorney Tırtır submitted a petition to the court requesting the easing of judicial control measures against his clients, specifically the termination of the travel ban. Karaorhanlı also requested that his grievances be addressed, noting that such measures were not applied in similar cases despite more serious accusations.

In its interim decision, the court lifted the travel ban imposed on the defendants but ruled that other judicial control measures should remain in effect. The hearing was adjourned to a later date.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

The indictment prepared by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office states that an investigation was launched into the defendants, including Özlem Altınok Öz and Tayyar Taylan Öz, following reports that they created a false brand perception via social media and marketed products of low value at high prices. The prosecution asserts that the source of the income generated through this method was concealed and that the public suffered a loss of approximately 10 million lira through their companies.

According to the indictment, following reports received by the Financial Crimes Investigation Bureau regarding the company Medelina, in which the defendants are partners, a report was prepared by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and tax audits were initiated. In this regard, a separate legal process is also ongoing at the Anatolian 74th Criminal Court of First Instance for the crime of "violating the Tax Procedure Law."

In light of the evidence obtained against the defendants, the prosecution concluded that income obtained through tax evasion was laundered and is seeking prison sentences of 3 to 7 years for "concealing the illicit source of assets" and for tax evasion as a predicate offense.

News Source: 12punto