Fortune-telling boom sparks huge tax probe and fraud arrests in Türkiye
Authorities in Türkiye are cracking down on fraudulent spiritual services, including those promoting spell-casting and fortune-telling for financial gain. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Turkish authorities are cracking down on unregistered income from spellcasting, fortune-telling, astrology, and spiritual services.
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance launched an extensive investigation into individuals who offer these services without declaring their earnings. Officials aim to prevent tax evasion and ensure financial transparency.
Turkish government cracks down on unregistered spiritual services
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance is investigating unregistered astrology, tarot readings, fortune-telling, and spiritual services.
- Authorities identified 1,034 “high-risk” taxpayers with an estimated almost $50 million in undeclared income.
- Officials found that 295 individuals were operating without tax registration.
- Digital records, including social media activity and online payments, are under review.
- Many service providers use live streams on YouTube and TikTok, as well as WhatsApp and Telegram, to sell services.
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek warned: “Our goal is to ensure fairness in taxation. We will continue fighting against unregistered income without exception. Those who comply with the process will not face severe penalties. However, taxpayers must declare their actual earnings before the tax filing deadline.”
He also expressed the government’s aim to tax unregistered service earnings and advised all Turkish taxpayers to declare their earnings by April 2.
Authorities investigate undeclared income in fortune-telling sector in Türkiye
The crackdown is part of a larger effort to strengthen financial transparency and eliminate tax evasion in Türkiye.
Investigators are reviewing earnings from 2024 and monitoring the sector closely. Many fortune-telling and similar service providers charge clients for personal astrology reports, tarot readings, and spiritual consultations. Some also organize meditation workshops and retreats, generating significant revenue that remains unreported.
One case revealed an individual earning over $400,000 from astrology reports and interactive social media sessions without filing a tax return. Authorities have started legal proceedings against those who fail to comply with tax regulations.
Turkish police arrest suspects in spiritual service fraud investigations
Law enforcement is cracking down on fraudulent fortune-telling and other spiritual services.
- Police arrested 28 suspects in a large-scale operation across 12 provinces, including Sakarya, Sanliurfa, Mersin, Kayseri and Istanbul.
- Investigators found that the suspects used social media to advertise “spell removal,” “family problem-solving,” and fortune-telling services, deceiving victims into paying large sums.
- Authorities estimate that these scams amounted to ₺87 million ($2.37 million).
How it worked:
- The suspects created fake social media accounts to appear legitimate.
- They promised supernatural solutions to personal problems, including love spells and career success rituals.
- Many victims were pressured into making repeated payments, fearing negative consequences if they refused.
Officials say these scams exploit vulnerable individuals searching for fortune-telling and metaphysical solutions. Police are expected to expand the investigation as more victims come forward.
Strict legal penalties for fraudulent spiritual services
The Turkish Penal Code classifies these activities as “qualified fraud” (TCK 158/1). Those exploiting religious beliefs or supernatural claims face:
- Three to 10 years in prison.
- A fine of up to 5,000 days.
- Harsher penalties if the crime is committed through digital platforms.
A key legal decision reinforced this classification. The Court of Cassation ruled that fraudulent spiritual services, such as selling talismans or claiming to remove curses, should be treated as “qualified fraud” rather than simple fraud. These cases now go to higher criminal courts, where stricter sentences are imposed.
Lawyers urge victims to report fraudulent spiritual services rather than fear social stigma. Many scams involve repeated financial exploitation, where victims are coerced into making multiple payments. Some fraudsters use blackmail, threatening to expose personal information if victims refuse further payments.
