Data leak investigation in 'İstanbul Senin' application: 4 people arrested

As part of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, findings were made regarding the leakage of personal data and location information of 4.7 million users of the 'İstanbul Senin' application to two different foreign countries, the offering for sale of personal data and location information of 3.7 million application users on the dark web, and the processing and leakage of ballot box data of 11 million citizens from the 'İBB Hanem' sub-application within the same platform.

Within the framework of the ongoing investigation, detention warrants were issued for a total of 5 people—two of whom were employed at the IMM Smart City Department and the other three at the Communication Coordination Center—who were mentioned in testimonies, found to have connections with criminal organization leaders, and understood to have been involved in the processing and transfer of data abroad. It was learned that the suspects were detained on charges of 'unlawfully disseminating personal data' and 'membership in a criminal organization.'

The detained suspects were referred to the courthouse following their processing at the police station. Four of the suspects were referred to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace with a request for arrest, while one person was sent to the judgeship with a request for release under judicial control.

The Criminal Judgeship of Peace ordered the arrest of 4 people, who were then sent to prison, while 1 person was released under judicial control.