Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Tens of thousands of people in Turkey are facing qualified fraud charges after allegedly allowing third parties to use their bank accounts for aid or profit. The investigation involves individuals who fell into traps set by scammers.

Technical director Dominik Tedesco arrived at Istanbul Airport and was met by a large group of Fenerbahçe supporters. Activists from the Sumut Flotilla arrived in Istanbul on Friday evening via a special flight organized by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The group arrived from Crete following an incident where the Israeli military intercepted part of the flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade. The source noted that French nationals are among those who were arrested during the interception. Initial reports indicated that 20 Turkish citizens were expected to arrive, but two individuals were unable to travel due to health issues. The group arrived following a maritime rescue operation. Approximately 60 Turkish activists arrived at Istanbul airport on Friday evening after being disembarked in Crete. Thirty-one individuals were hospitalized during the incident.

Over 20,000 members of the Memur-Sen union gathered in Ügürlük Square to celebrate May Day. Participants also used the rally to voice opposition to wars and genocide. The demonstration included messages against war and genocide.

Republican People's Party Chairman Özgür Özel and DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan attended May Day solidarity celebrations in Kadıköy, Istanbul. Groups attempting to march to Taksim Square faced police intervention.

Turkish golfer Deniz Sapmaz is competing in the DP Tour Ladies European Tour tournament in Turkey. Sapmaz is the first Turkish woman to compete in this professional tour.

A Chilean mission in Turkey is awaiting approximately 30 additional vessels to join their movement. The mission is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure a safe return to Chile. The group intends to continue their current mission despite the logistical requirements. The source noted that the movement is advancing with the help of a lawyer in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The mission aims to continue its progress from Latakia despite uncertainty regarding its destination. The source reported that 21 other vessels were previously hijacked, and their current location and condition remain unknown. The Chilean mission reports that approximately 30 additional vessels must join them in Turkey to continue the Global Sumud Carolina flotilla movement.

MIA Teknoloji has submitted an application to the Capital Markets Board (SPK) to merge with Lider Sistem Teknolojileri.

The jackpot for the Crazy Numerical Lotto has reached 942 million Turkish lira. The broadcast noted that the jackpot size has increased significantly. Approximately 1 million suspicious transaction reports were filed with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board in 2025. More than half of these reports originated from banks, with fraud identified in 65% of the cases. The source noted that thousands of innocent young people have become victims. Some perpetrators face sentences of approximately 40 years, though the source claimed some facing charges similar to homicide receive less. A report indicates that 65 percent of notifications are linked to fraudulent activity. Investigations found that 65 percent of these notifications involved fraudulent crimes. One specific case involved 61 transfers made overnight, leading to potential sentences of up to 40 years.

In Turkey, 15 percent of workers work more than 60 hours per week. This figure places Turkey ahead of Colombia, where the average for those working over 60 hours is 14.2 percent.

The Istanbul Governor's Office permitted rallies to be held at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square and Kartal Square for May Day. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced that 46% of stray animals have been collected and placed in shelters. Gül stated via social media that collecting stray animals is a clear duty rather than an option. The program involves collecting, restraining, and housing animals in appropriate shelter conditions.