Detention Period Extended in Human Trafficking Investigation

Police officer Yaren Yemenicoğlu, from the Financial Crimes Unit, confirmed the suspects’ arrest under charges including money laundering, human trafficking, inciting the creation of fake documents, creating fake documents, and circulating them.

The police revealed that Toyliyev worked at the tourism and travel agency, while Sözüdoğru was responsible for preparing fake English invitation letters for individuals from Third World countries seeking to enter the country.

It was further revealed that Toyliyev had signed the invitations where Tezer Mercan’s name and signature were required, instead using his own name and signature. The police confirmed that both suspects were arrested on December 9. Through their investigation, the police identified 13 Sri Lankan nationals who were brought into the country with fraudulent tourist visas.

In his statement, Toyliyev confessed that the documents were prepared by Mercan and Sözüdoğru, and that he had written his name and signed five documents, which were then notarized. Two of these documents were confiscated, while the other three remain under investigation.

During Sözüdoğru’s arrest, his personal cell phone was seized. However, further investigations revealed that he was using a different phone and had transferred his personal SIM card to another phone. Police also found that Sözüdoğru had a third phone, which he claimed was used exclusively for company purposes. Both phones, used for company-related activities, are being investigated.

Sözüdoğru’s lawyer claimed that his client had prepared the invitations with the intention of helping his client. The police, however, disclosed that Mercan, in his statement, admitted to needing Sözüdoğru’s help due to his lack of proficiency in English.

The lawyer further argued that his client was unaware of the purpose behind the invitations. However, the police stated that there was witness testimony indicating that Sözüdoğru had contacted someone after the incident, instructing them to "destroy the phone."

Public Prosecutor Senem Palabıyık noted that some items are still missing, and the investigation is ongoing.

Judge Nuray Necdet, after reviewing the evidence, ordered the suspects to remain in custody for an additional three days.