Turkish security forces, in a coordinated strike across 8 provinces, successfully dismantled an organized network that used consulting firms as a front to forge documents and facilitate illegal residency for foreign nationals.
Details of the Police Strike in Eight Provinces In the early hours of this morning, June 23, 2026, Turkish police forces launched a massive operation known as the "Dawn Raid" against several fake consulting firms. Centered in Istanbul, the operation was executed simultaneously across seven other provinces [1]. According to preliminary reports, this organized network deceived citizens and bypassed government regulations by establishing front offices under the title of "consulting services."
Istanbul's anti-smuggling and border gate teams identified the core of this group after months of technical and physical surveillance. During the coordinated raid, a total of 64 individuals were arrested, including senior managers of these shell companies [2].
The Fraudsters' Modus Operandi: From Forgery to Bribery Investigations reveal that the network concealed its illegal activities using online accounting systems and complex internet networks. The primary tactic of these individuals was issuing illegal residency permits for foreign nationals whose legal stay in Turkey had expired or who had entered the country illegally [1].
These fake firms prepared fictitious lease agreements, false bank confirmations, and forged signatures of official authorities to arrange residency files in a way that misled government agencies. In addition to document forgery, charges such as paying bribes to certain intermediaries and organizing human trafficking have also been recorded in their files [2].
Discoveries and Legal Consequences During the search of these companies' premises, a vast amount of forged documents, counterfeit government seals, and digital equipment used for forgery were seized. Police announced that all residency files processed through these companies are being reviewed, and issued permits will be revoked [1].
This operation comes as similar actions were taken in recent days against "investment consulting" fraudsters in regions like Muğla, where a case worth 142 million Lira was uncovered [3]. Security officials emphasized that the fight against networks targeting the country's social and economic security will continue without interruption.
Warning to Citizens and Foreign Nationals The Turkish Police Department has requested citizens and foreign nationals to visit only authorized and officially certified centers for residency and consulting matters. Using the services of such unauthorized companies not only leads to the loss of personal capital but can also carry heavy legal consequences, including deportation and judicial prosecution for applicants [2].
Coordinated Turkish police operation in 8 provinces against consulting fraud networks
linkSources
- Sahte danışmanlık şirketlerine şafak baskını! Onlarca kişi tutuklandı — Gazete3 (2026-06-23)
- Sahte belgelerle ikamet izni operasyonunda 64 gözaltı — Gazete3 (2026-06-23)
- Yatırım danışmanlığı vaadiyle 142 milyonluk vurgun — Yeni Şafak (2026-06-20)
