Under the coordination of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), the Cybersecurity Directorate (SGB), Gendarmerie General Command (JGK) and Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) carried out operations targeting a credit card fraud network in Istanbul and Kocaeli, June 13, 2026. (AA Photo)
June 13, 2026 11:16 AM GMT+03:00
Turkish authorities detained three suspects in coordinated operations in Istanbul and Kocaeli after uncovering an organized cyber scheme that tested large numbers of credit card details, according to the National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
The operation was coordinated by MIT and carried out with the Cybersecurity Directorate, the Gendarmerie General Command and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).
Authorities said the investigation began after large numbers of people received suspicious transaction alerts and one-time passwords linked to attempted high-value credit card purchases during the night of June 7.
The messages continued until the early hours of the morning, prompting officials to assess the activity as an organized cyber operation targeting financial security.
No financial losses were reported, authorities said.
Under the coordination of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), the Cybersecurity Directorate (SGB), Gendarmerie General Command (JGK) and Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) carried out operations targeting a credit card fraud network in Istanbul and Kocaeli, June 13, 2026. (AA Photo)
Suspicious transaction messages trigger investigation
MIT determined that the suspicious text messages began during the night of June 7 and affected a large number of credit card holders.
The messages included notifications about attempted high-value transactions and one-time passwords generated for the purchases.
After determining that the activity could form part of a coordinated cybercrime operation, MIT brought together the relevant agencies to examine the technical, intelligence, financial and operational aspects of the case.
Authorities assessed that the activity could potentially affect a wide section of the public and launched a simultaneous response across the institutions involved.
Under the coordination of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), the Cybersecurity Directorate (SGB), Gendarmerie General Command (JGK) and Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) carried out operations targeting a credit card fraud network in Istanbul and Kocaeli, June 13, 2026. (AA Photo)
Automated software used to test card numbers
Technical examinations by the Cybersecurity Directorate and financial analysis by MASAK found that large numbers of credit card numbers had been tested using automated software.
The attempts were designed to determine whether the card numbers were valid, authorities said.
When a valid card number was tested, the system automatically generated transaction alerts and one-time password messages for the cardholder.
MIT’s intelligence work identified the digital infrastructure and methods allegedly used in the activity.
Based on the technical and intelligence findings, investigators identified the suspects and the systems linked to the operation.
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Simultaneous raids in Istanbul and Kocaeli
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation, and teams from the Ankara Provincial Gendarmerie Command’s Cybercrime Department conducted simultaneous raids in Istanbul and Kocaeli.
Three suspects identified during the investigation were detained.
Initial examinations of digital materials seized during the operations found software believed to have been used to test credit card information in bulk.
Investigators also found digital records and traces connected to the operation, along with data sets that systematically classified the results of tests conducted on numerous credit cards.
Under the coordination of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), the Cybersecurity Directorate (SGB), Gendarmerie General Command (JGK) and Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) carried out operations targeting a credit card fraud network in Istanbul and Kocaeli, June 13, 2026. (AA Photo)
Digital infrastructure traced and exposed
The Cybersecurity Directorate examined IP addresses, server records and digital traces believed to have been used in the scheme.
Authorities said a significant part of the technical infrastructure was uncovered through those examinations.
The systems used by the suspects and their digital connections were also identified.
Officials said the method uncovered in the case was commonly used in organized cybercrime operations, although no financial loss occurred in this incident.
June 13, 2026 11:16 AM GMT+03:00
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