Turkish police have detained 23 people in raids across 15 provinces over a scam that lured older men with promises of marriage to a Bulgarian woman living in Bulgaria, then blackmailed them.
Six suspects are in custody on charges of "aggravated fraud" and "extortion". A court freed another 17 under judicial supervision, the Tekirdag provincial police directorate said.
The Tekirdag Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation. The city police public order unit carried out the raids after receiving a tip-off.
Investigators say the suspects posed as police officers. They told the victim that his future wife was involved in international money laundering, terrorist groups and fraud. They then convinced him that a secret operation was under way and that he had to help.
One victim, under pressure and after being given promises, sent a total of 1.914 million Turkish lira to various bank accounts. Investigators found financial transactions worth 724m lira linked to the fraud in the suspects' accounts. They say the money was sent abroad through crypto assets and various "cold wallets".
Police seized a large amount of digital material and documents from the suspects and at their addresses. They believe these were used to commit the crimes.
Tekirdag police urge people not to trust anyone who promises marriage, investment or profit. They also warn against anyone who claims to be a police officer, prosecutor or public official and asks for money.