Tax evasion charges against social media influencer and her husband

A lawsuit has been filed in Istanbul against social media influencer Özlem Altınok Öz, her husband Tayyar Taylan Öz, and their partner İbrahim Karaorhanlı on charges of creating a fake brand perception to sell low-cost products at high prices and committing tax evasion. The indictment prepared by the Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office states that these individuals built a large following on social media to create a false brand image, through which they sold products with no real market value at inflated prices.

In a report prepared by MASAK following tips received by the Financial Crimes Investigation Bureau, it was stated that no evidence was found to suggest that the sales conducted via e-commerce by Medelina Sağlık ve Reklam Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti., a company managed by the defendants, were fraudulent transactions. Furthermore, as no data was found linking the defendants to crimes such as illegal betting, crypto exchange transactions, or the preparation of forged documents, a decision of non-prosecution was issued regarding the charges of "forgery of official documents" and "membership in a criminal organization."

However, it is alleged that the public suffered a loss of 10 million lira due to tax evasion committed through the Medelina company, and that the penalty for this loss amounts to 51 million lira. The indictment states that the defendants laundered the income obtained through tax evasion, and therefore, a prison sentence of 3 to 7 years has been requested for the crime of "concealing the illicit source of assets."

While the defendants deny the charges, the Anatolian 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance has accepted the indictment. Özlem Altınok Öz, Tayyar Taylan Öz, and İbrahim Karaorhanlı are expected to appear in court on November 19. Additionally, the decision to appoint trustees to three companies as part of the investigation remains in effect.