Scam Involving METU Professor: 6 Arrested
Professor Falls Victim to Elaborate Scam
In a shocking turn of events, retired Middle East Technical University (METU) Professor Bekir Nihad Peynircioğlu, a renowned Chemist who settled in Bozcaada with his wife after retiring, was recently targeted by a group of scammers. These individuals posed as MİT (National Intelligence Organization) personnel and managed to defraud the professor of a staggering 35 million Turkish Lira.
Elaborate Deception Unfolds
It all began when a person claiming to be Selami Yıldız contacted Professor Peynircioğlu over the phone, falsely identifying himself as an MİT agent. The caller proceeded to spin a tale of impending terror-related financial activities involving the professor’s bank accounts. Convinced of the urgency of the situation, the elderly professor was coerced into providing details of his assets, under the false pretense of aiding a covert operation.
Heartbreaking Consequences
Subsequently, another individual, posing as a special assistant to the Istanbul Police Chief, sent fabricated documents via WhatsApp, further solidifying the elaborate ruse. To add emotional weight to their deception, the scammers even played an audio recording of Atatürk’s address to the youth, feigning distress to manipulate the professor’s emotions.
As the pressure mounted, Professor Peynircioğlu withdrew substantial sums of money from his bank accounts, totaling over 700,000 USD, 250,000 euros, and 74,000 pounds. The scammers orchestrated a series of meetings where the professor handed over the funds under the guise of assisting in the fictitious operation, unaware of the elaborate hoax.
Justice Prevails
After realizing he had fallen victim to a scam, Professor Peynircioğlu confided in his daughter, who promptly reported the incident to the Çanakkale Public Prosecutor’s Office. Following months of investigation, authorities conducted coordinated raids in several cities, resulting in the arrest of six individuals involved in the elaborate scheme.
Among those apprehended were Mahmut K., a repeat offender with a history of fraud, along with his associates. While some suspects were remanded in custody, others were released under judicial supervision. The authorities also seized a significant sum of money during a search of the suspects’ residences, further underscoring the extent of this intricate deception.
In the face of adversity, Professor Peynircioğlu’s resilience and determination to seek justice serve as a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering strength in the face of deceit and manipulation.
