Known for 'Did you get scared of the snake?', now in the spotlight for fraud: New allegations against Simge Barankoğlu!

Social media influencer Simge Barankoğlu's name has once again come to the fore due to legal controversies. Barankoğlu, who has been linked to numerous accusations including fraud, illegal betting advertising, tax evasion, and the sale of obscene content, is once again under scrutiny regarding her past and her ongoing digital activities.

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Simge Barankoğlu first drew attention on social media between 2017 and 2018 with content such as 'Did you get scared of the snake?'. However, this fame story that began on social media has gradually become overshadowed by allegations of fraud and illegal activities.

Barankoğlu's name first hit the headlines in 2021 during a major fraud investigation that broke out in İzmir. A gang that defrauded citizens by claiming "You have won a social media prize" was dismantled, and 18 people were detained. Barankoğlu was among those detained. It was revealed that the operation in question was an organized fraud network conducted under the guise of "advertising."

Although Barankoğlu defended herself in her statement by saying, "I thought it was an advertisement," the court did not share the same view. Allegations that the influencer, who spent 56 days in prison, had advertised illegal gambling and betting also came to the fore during this period. Thus, activities under the guise of an "influencer" began to be examined more carefully.

In 2023 and 2024, evidence emerged that Simge Barankoğlu was sharing illegal betting content through her social media accounts. The fact that someone who already had a fraud file against them was involved in this type of crime again raised questions of "is it a habit or a coincidence?"

Most recently, Barankoğlu made headlines again with her statement on her Instagram account, saying, "Subscribe for 40 TL, there is bikini and exclusive content." The background of this system, which she encourages young people to join with the words, "I make a lot of money from this, you can do it too," is not innocent at all. The process starts on Instagram. Those who subscribe are directed to Telegram groups. Thus, access to exclusive content is provided by stretching the system without directly violating Instagram rules.

This system, which is carried out with subscribers directed to Telegram groups, indirectly violates Instagram rules. Barankoğlu, on the other hand, tries to avoid legal responsibility by claiming that these groups "are not hers." However, the fact that the redirections are clearly made through her Instagram account weakens this defense.

In another post, her statements such as "Instagram takes 40%, I don't do extra tax structuring" bring up serious questions about tax evasion. Despite the obligation for content creators in Turkey to pay taxes on their earnings, these statements by Barankoğlu can be evaluated as a direct declaration of tax violation. With 80 thousand subscribers at 60 liras per month, Barankoğlu earns 2,800,000 TL per month after the 40% deduction.

The activities carried out by Simge Barankoğlu have reached dimensions that concern not only social media rules but also the Turkish Penal Code. This structure, which could mislead the public on topics such as fraud, illegal betting, tax evasion, and the sale of obscene content, needs to be examined in detail. There are calls for relevant institutions to audit Barankoğlu's accounts, the digital platforms where she exchanges money, and all related financial transactions.

News Source : 12punto