Prison sentence for cheating tourists and seizing their money and credit cards

Quite a few people were arrested for allegedly setting up “high bill” traps for tourists trying to overcharge them and also beating them, seizing their money and credit cards because they did not agree to pay the bill. 23 of the 32 people allegedly having committed above crime were arrested and sent to prison.

A short while ago 32 people were caught with an operation at BEYOGLU neighborhood in Istanbul, for setting up “high bill” traps for tourists attracted to some entertainment places by commissioners (spruikers) and then beating them and seizing their money and credit cards as the tourists did not accept to pay the “high bills” issued. Consequently, 23 of these suspects were arrested and sent to prison. As part of the investigation, 20 police officers and 2 neighbourhood watchmen (bekçi) were also testified for having taken bribes from venues. Istanbul Organized Crime Directorate teams had started to work on the issue when complaints were filed by some tourists in regards.

It was reported that tourists were charged US$ 1,500 for on average for 2 drinks only. Some spruikers used to persuade foreign tourists to enter an entertainment venue and then have a woman sit with them so tourists would buy her drinks. Then the tourists were shocked with the amount shown on the bill and refused to pay US$ 1,500 for 2 drinks only in which case their money and credit cards were seized.

The crime gang that seized the money of said tourists using this method was brought down with the operation of the Organized Crime Directorate teams. It was also reported that while 23 had been arrested and sent to prison, efforts were under way to apprehend 21 suspects.