An indictment from the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed a financial network. This network executed fictitious purchase transactions. They used Point of Sale (POS) devices. They utilized foreign bank cards, including Libyan ones. This activity has been ongoing since 2018. The goal was money laundering.
According to Libya Al-Ahrar channel’s website, citing local Turkish media, the case involves 112 defendants. Among them, 56 individuals have been detained. Judicial demands are seeking sentences of up to 33 years.
On July 8, 2025, the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the issuance of arrest warrants for 85 individuals. This includes 16 employees from private banks. It also includes an electronic payment company. Payment institutions, jewelry stores, and currency exchange offices were seized. Companies operating in foreign trade were also seized.
Last January 5, the Halk TV website revealed additional details. It described the case as one of Turkey’s largest money laundering networks in recent years. The network’s activity extended between Istanbul’s Laleli district and Libya. There is also an Iraqi dimension. Parallel international investigations are underway.
According to the website’s report, two senior executives from a private bank were named in the investigation file. They traveled to Libya during 2021 and 2022. This period is believed to be when the POS money laundering system was established.
The website indicated that the officials did not travel as bankers. Instead, they registered themselves as ‘engineers’ on visa applications. They were sponsored by a Libyan cleaning company. The reason for their visit was not disclosed.