The Rise and Fall of Çiftlik Bank: The Gaziantep Scam
In a shocking turn of events, a network in Gaziantep defrauded dozens of citizens by claiming to distribute profits from a major company. The victims range from those who lost their two-room shacks to pay off their children’s debts to others who handed over multiple luxury apartments in pursuit of high returns. The incident that unfolded in Gaziantep eight years ago resembled a plot from a Turkish movie, with allegations suggesting a carefully orchestrated scam.
The mastermind behind this elaborate scheme was Şinasi Kozan, who initially approached former postal workers claiming to have business dealings with a company named “Bilkom Telekom.” He convinced them that this company was the distributor for Apple in the United States and was raising funds from the market to increase its capital. In return, he promised to distribute profits regularly. Kozan stated that he received 8% of the 18% profit share given by the company for his services, with the remaining 10% going to the investors. He offered to act as a mediator for those who had the funds to invest.
The Deceptive Tactics Unveiled
Kozan began by offering a 10% profit share on small amounts of money invested each month, gradually building trust among investors by showcasing these regular returns. As word spread about the supposed lucrative returns, he started collecting larger sums of money. For those without cash on hand, he proposed transferring ownership of their properties – houses and lands – to individuals appointed by him on paper to receive the profit share. He assured them they could continue residing in their properties without paying rent and could reclaim ownership when they desired to exit the agreement.
With approximately 300 million Turkish lira amassed over time, Kozan found himself in a situation where the profit share outstripped the company’s capacity to pay. He claimed the company was facing financial difficulties and would be unable to distribute profits for a while, but assured investors that returns would continue to increase. Despite assuring them with promises like “I will pay you today” or “Come after the holiday,” Kozan eventually disappeared when he struggled to manage the situation.
The Web of Deceit Unraveled
It was later revealed that Kozan did not operate alone in his fraudulent activities. He enlisted the help of two brothers engaged in real estate in the Şehitkamil district and other accomplices to collect funds. Kozan utilized these real estate agents to acquire land and properties at undervalued prices, subsequently selling them to third parties for profit. As the complaints mounted and numerous reports were filed, an investigation was launched by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The defendants, including Ahmet Yağmurlu, Ekrem Yağmurlu, Ömer Yağmurlu, Hüseyin Demir, Mehmet Polat, Ömer Yağmurlu, and Şinasi Kozan, were accused of engaging in fraud as a group and faced prosecution.
The victims’ lawyer, Sedat Arıkan, condemned the deceitful tactics employed by the defendants, labeling them as unimaginable even by the devil himself. With 36 plaintiffs involved in the case, a total of 7 defendants, including Şinasi Kozan, were set to stand trial. The requested penalties for the defendants varied depending on the severity of the crimes, with each individual facing a minimum sentence of 54 years if found guilty. In the event of maximum penalties, the defendants could potentially receive up to 270 years in prison. After an 8-year delay, the defendants were finally set to appear before a judge for the first time today.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, the victims of the Çiftlik Bank scam await justice and hope for a resolution to their financial losses. The repercussions of this elaborate fraud scheme will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the community of Gaziantep, serving as a cautionary tale against falling prey to promises of easy wealth and high returns.
