Accusations against PAPEL in Istanbul-based operation: 15 people sent to prison
In an operation launched in Istanbul and covering 8 provinces over allegations of links to illegal betting proceeds, 15 of the 38 detained individuals were arrested, while 23 suspects were released under judicial control.
12punto
As part of a comprehensive investigation launched in Istanbul, a large-scale operation was carried out against a company providing electronic money and payment services. In the process managed by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, an investigation was initiated into PAPEL Elektronik Para ve Ödeme Hizmetleri A.Ş. and company executives on charges of "violating the Law on Betting and Games of Chance" and "laundering proceeds from crime."
According to audit reports prepared by authorities and analyses by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), it was determined that proceeds obtained from crime were regularly integrated into the financial system through electronic money institutions.
The investigations showed that these funds were attempted to be laundered through many companies both domestically and abroad.
TMSF INVOLVED IN LIQUIDATION PROCESS
In the operation conducted by the Istanbul Financial Crimes Investigation Branch teams, simultaneous raids were carried out in Istanbul as well as Ankara, Antalya, Balıkesir, Muğla, Tokat, Kocaeli, and Bursa. While detention warrants were issued for 42 suspects, 38 of them were apprehended and taken into custody. It was reported that the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) was appointed as a trustee to PAPEL as the investigation continued.
The suspects, whose interrogations at the police station were completed, were referred to the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan. The prosecutor's office requested the arrest of 17 people and the release of 21 people under judicial control. As a result of the interrogations held in court, 15 people were arrested and sent to prison, while 23 people were released under judicial control.