Case against social media influencers
The İstanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against social media figures Özlem Altınok Öz, Tayyar Taylan Öz and İbrahim Karaorhanlı. The probe began after tips alleged they created a fake brand perception through attention-grabbing posts and sold low-cost products at higher prices.
While three allegations were dropped with a non-prosecution decision, the discovery of 10 million lira in tax evasion led to a money laundering charge and a request for prison terms of up to seven years.
MASAK report and non-prosecution
The indictment notes that reports were forwarded to the Financial Crimes Division, prompting MASAK to compile a report. It found no data indicating that the suspects and companies had formed an organization to commit crimes.
According to MASAK, Medelina Sağlık ve Reklam Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti. conducted most cosmetics sales via e-commerce, with no evidence of fictitious transactions. No suspicious ties to betting sites, crypto exchanges, e-money institutions, or acts of issuing or using forged documents were detected.
Accordingly, non-prosecution was issued for the offenses of forgery in an official document, membership in an organization established to commit crimes, and fraud by cooperative managers within cooperative activities.
Tax audit findings on Medelina
A tax examination of Medelina resulted in a tax crime report, and the suspects are on trial at Anadolu 74. Asliye Ceza Mahkemesi for violating the Tax Procedure Law.
The indictment states that tax evasion via the company caused a public loss of 10 million lira, with a related penalty of 51 million lira, and that violating the Tax Procedure Law is treated as a predicate offense.
Prison terms sought and trial schedule
Prosecutors assessed that the defendants laundered proceeds obtained through tax evasion and that there is sufficient evidence to open a public case. The defendants deny the accusations.
For Özlem Altınok Öz, Tayyar Taylan Öz and İbrahim Karaorhanlı, prosecutors seek three to seven years in prison for concealing the illicit origin of assets.
The indictment was accepted by the Anadolu 2. Asliye Ceza Mahkemesi, and the defendants are expected to appear before a judge on November 19. Meanwhile, trustee appointments over three companies linked to the investigation remain in effect.
