Cryptocurrency Fraud and the Legal Rights of Foreigners in Turkey

Cryptocurrency markets offer exciting opportunities—but also significant risks. Foreign nationals residing in Turkey often fall victim to scams due to language barriers, unfamiliarity with local laws, or lack of experience with digital finance. In some cases, they unknowingly get involved in illegal activities, such as selling cryptocurrency to fraudsters.

So, what should a foreigner do in such situations? How can they defend themselves? This is where Özocak&Altun Law Office provides critical support with its legal expertise.

1. The Impact of Crypto Fraud on Foreign Nationals

Foreigners living in Turkey most commonly face the following types of cryptocurrency-related fraud:

• Fake investment opportunities or fake crypto investment firms,

• Fraudulent trading platforms or wallet applications,

• Unauthorized use of their identity in illegal transactions,

• Transferring crypto to scammers without realizing it.

In such cases, foreigners may be seen either as victims or unfortunately as suspects in criminal investigations.

2. Legal Liability and the Right to Defense

According to the Turkish Penal Code, intent is a key component in determining criminal responsibility. If a person was unaware that a transaction was fraudulent, their criminal liability may be dismissed. However, proving this requires professional legal guidance and proper evidence handling.

This includes:

• Analyzing bank transactions, communication logs, and crypto wallet histories,

• Conducting technical assessments of the crypto transactions to prove innocence,

• Obtaining expert opinions to demonstrate the lack of criminal intent.

3. How Özocak&Altun Law Office Can Help

In cases of cryptocurrency fraud, our law office provides comprehensive support to foreign clients in the following areas:

a) Assistance During the Investigation Stage

• Legal guidance during police or prosecutor interviews (with interpreter support),

• Objection to detention or judicial control measures,

• Collection and presentation of digital evidence in favor of the client.

b) Defense During Criminal Trials

• Development of strong legal strategies in criminal court,

• Forensic analysis of crypto transaction records,

• Filing motions to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence.

c) Victim Representation and Compensation Claims

• Drafting and submitting criminal complaints for victims,

• Filing civil lawsuits to recover financial losses,

• Blockchain tracking services to trace stolen funds.

d) Assistance With Residency and Immigration-Related Issues

• Preventing criminal accusations from affecting residence permits,

• Intervening to protect client rights before the Immigration Authority,

• Ensuring fair treatment in deportation or legal stay proceedings.

Conclusion: Stay Informed, Seek Professional Legal Help

Whether you are a victim or have unknowingly been implicated in a cryptocurrency-related crime, it’s essential to protect your rights through experienced legal counsel. At Özocak&Altun Law Office, we combine our expertise in Turkish Criminal Law and digital finance to support you throughout the process.

If you or someone you know needs legal assistance in this area, do not hesitate to contact us.