Movie-like scam in Istanbul: Police hunt for British woman after $425,000 fraud

A British woman called Florentina G. executed a dramatic scam in Istanbul, deceiving real estate agent M.G. out of $425,000.

The incident took place on July 3, involving a complex plot to sell a luxurious apartment valued at approximately $4.25 million in the Levent district.

Initial contact, englishwoman’s deceptive proposal

Florentina G. contacted M.G., expressing interest in purchasing the apartment on behalf of her company. She proposed inflating the sale price to $4.32 million (€4 million) and splitting the $864,000 (€800,000) difference as commission.

On the morning of July 3, Florentina G. arrived in Istanbul from London, accompanied by her partner. Upon landing, they acted as if they did not know each other and left the airport in separate taxis.

Florentina then went to the real estate office in Kagithane, where M.G. awaited her with an envelope containing $432,000.

How did she manage to swap money without getting caught?

Florentina examined the envelope briefly before putting it in her bag. M.G. protested, insisting that the commission would be paid after the sale was finalized and that the money was safe. Florentina appeared to comply, returning an envelope to M.G. before leaving.

However, M.G. soon became suspicious and opened the envelope to find it filled with Iranian rials worth only $5,000 instead of euros. Realizing he had been swindled, M.G. immediately reported the incident to the police.

Turkish police’s investigation, capturing of fugitive

The police launched a swift investigation, tracking Florentina’s movements through surveillance cameras. She changed her appearance at the Grand Bazaar and then handed the stolen money to her partner at a restaurant in Aksaray.

Her partner, Giani Nicosur S., was captured at the airport attempting to board a flight to Munich with $16,200 (€15,000) in his possession. He claimed he had met Florentina only briefly and that the money was his.

Florentina G. managed to evade capture by boarding a flight to Paris shortly before her partner was apprehended.

The Turkish police are now actively searching for her and any local accomplices involved in the scheme.