Turkish prosecutors indict a gang involved in $850 million cryptocurrency money laundering

According to Hürriyet Daily News, Turkish prosecutors have filed charges against a massive money laundering network involving the "Grand Bazaar," with the amount in question nearing 40 billion Turkish lira (approximately 850 million USD). The indictment lists 504 suspects who are accused of using shell companies, bank accounts, currency exchange offices, POS terminals, and cryptocurrency transactions to conceal illegal proceeds. The suspects are also accused of converting the illicit funds into cryptocurrency and transferring them abroad, as well as luring victims into fraudulent investment schemes with promises of high returns. Prosecutors are seeking a maximum sentence of 34.5 years in prison for the alleged mastermind Türker Ak and a maximum of 31 years for the alleged network manager Murat Dönmezoğlu.