BREAKING NEWS... Verdict reached in 'Çiftlik Bank' case: Sentences announced

The final hearing of the case involving 20 defendants, including the founders of the fraud system publicly known as 'Çiftlik Bank,' Mehmet Aydın (known as 'Tosuncuk') and his brother Fatih Aydın, began this morning. The hearing, held at the 6th High Criminal Court at the Anadolu Courthouse in Kartal, was attended by defendants in custody Mehmet Aydın, Fatih Aydın, Havva Özay, and Osman Naim Kaya. Mehmet Aydın and his brother Fatih Aydın were being tried for 4,414 separate acts of 'fraud through information systems,' and prosecutors had requested their conviction for 'establishing a criminal organization' and 'laundering assets derived from crime.' Some defendants not in custody and defense attorneys were also present at the hearing.

'I HAD NO INTENTION TO DEFRAUD'

In his defense, defendant in custody Mehmet Aydın stated, "I have submitted my detailed written defense. My intention was absolutely not to commit fraud; I did not defraud anyone. I had no intention to defraud. I could not make the payments because the state seized my assets. The seized money is currently sitting with interest, and damages could be covered in this way." The other defendant in custody, Fatih Aydın, said, "I have previously submitted my defense. I request my release."

'I REQUEST MY ACQUITTAL'

In his defense, defendant in custody Osman Naim Kaya stated, "I was never in a state of being a fugitive or on the run. When the court was here or elsewhere, I met Mehmet Aydın via the internet. I have no connection to Mehmet Aydın's business affairs in Turkey, and I have not exchanged orders with him. I request my acquittal." The other defendant in custody, Havva Özay, stated, "Mr. President, I have no connection to the organization. The money deposited into my account came from a casino. I request my acquittal."

'I DID NOT MAKE FALSE STATEMENTS'

Giving his final words before the verdict, Mehmet Aydın said, "I did not make any false statements to the complainants. I request my acquittal." Fatih Aydın stated, "I am not a member of any organization. You have heard the defendants; most of them do not know me, and I do not know most of them. I request my acquittal." Osman Naim Kaya also said, "I request my acquittal." Havva Özay added, "I have no connection to the organization; I request my acquittal."

45,376 YEARS IN PRISON

Mehmet Aydın and Fatih Aydın, who were being tried while in custody as the founders of the fraud system publicly known as "Çiftlik Bank," were sentenced to a total of 45,376 years and 6 months in prison each.