Izmir basketball figures allegedly defrauded in investment scheme

Izmir prosecutors are investigating a case of alleged fraud targeting prominent figures in the city’s basketball community. H. O., the manager of Denizbank’s Bornova branch and head of Karsiyaka Sports Club’s Basketball Infrastructure Branch, is accused of convincing five individuals, including two club managers, to invest money with promises of high returns.

It has been revealed that these funds were collected on behalf of S. C., who operates a foreign exchange office in Karsiyaka. Upon discovery, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) launched an inquiry. Simultaneously, the Izmir Anti-Financial Crimes Branch conducted investigations, prompting the bank management to deploy an inspector and temporarily close the branch.

Reports indicate that H. O. managed to accumulate nearly ₺300 million ($9.1M) which were deposited into S. C.’s account. Allegedly, one victim alone handed over nearly ₺100 million. Upon learning of the investigation, Branch Manager H.O. reportedly overdosed on pills Thursday evening. He is currently hospitalized at Bayrakli City Hospital under observation and will be taken into custody once medically cleared.

In response to these developments, the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has intensified its investigation. Statements from numerous victims and complainants are being collected, resulting in a detention warrant issued for both H. O. and S. C. S. C. has already been detained, while H.O. awaits custody pending his hospital treatment.