Seventeen individuals apprehended in Turkey for a large-scale data breach and creation of false celebrity endorsements ads
In the heart of Ankara, Turkey, a significant cyber trial is underway. Seventeen suspects are standing trial, accused of illegally accessing and selling sensitive personal data of millions of citizens, officials, and government staff.
The unauthorized use of this data is at the centre of the trial. Some of the data was reportedly used to produce fake diplomas, documents, and blackmail material. The indictment also suggests that an accomplice employed artificial intelligence to create fraudulent promotional videos featuring Turkish celebrities and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
One of the key suspects, Metin Yesil, is accused of creating fraudulent websites to scam investors, targeting companies such as Baykar, Turkey's leading drone maker. The website in question, "illegalplatform.com/org", had more than 24,000 members with varying levels of access.
Authorities claim that the suspects' devices contained data on millions of citizens, including ID numbers, addresses, bank accounts, and professional records. The illegal data transactions allegedly took place via this website.
The charges against the suspects include violating Turkey's Cybersecurity Law, enacted in March. Potential sentences for the suspects could be up to 15 years. The trial is a stark reminder of the importance of data security and the consequences of its breach.
This case underscores the need for vigilance in the digital age, where personal data is increasingly being targeted. As the trial progresses, it is hoped that justice will be served, and such incidents can be prevented in the future.
