Turkish taxi driver arrested for scamming Chinese tourist

A taxi driver in Istanbul has been arrested after allegedly scamming a Chinese tourist of $1,530 during a visit to Türkiye. The driver reportedly took advantage of the tourist’s trust, charging excessive amounts for services under false pretenses.

Wengi Liu, a 33-year-old Chinese tourist, had arrived in Istanbul for a vacation. Upon hailing a taxi in the Karakoy area, Liu asked to be taken to her hotel. However, the driver allegedly proposed to show her around Istanbul instead, which Liu accepted.

Unwittingly taken to expensive clubs and restaurants

Liu was taken to several nightclubs and restaurants across the city, after which the driver dropped her back at her hotel. What seemed like a pleasant tour soon turned into a costly ordeal.

The Scam: Unauthorized charges on credit card

According to reports, the taxi driver forcibly took Liu’s credit card and proceeded to make seven separate transactions totaling ₺58,275 ($1,530) without her consent. Liu realized the scam after receiving a call from her bank in China, informing her of the unusual charges.

Police investigation leads to arrest

Following the discovery, Liu contacted the police, and the authorities swiftly investigated the matter. By reviewing security camera footage, officers were able to identify the taxi driver. The suspect, who has a criminal record of 26 offenses, was arrested and charged with robbery.

In his statement, the driver denied the accusations and claimed that all charges were made with Liu’s approval. However, the court did not find his defense credible, and the driver was taken into custody.