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Over two dozen people who were allegedly part of a criminal group selling fake treasure maps were arrested after conning victims out of $1.32 million. Not only that, the suspects also buried fake, worthless treasure at the map’s locations then charged the victims more money “in exchange for selling them and finding a reliable buyer.”
According to a local report, numerous citizens in Turkey were sold hand-drawn, artificially aged maps directing them to the fake treasure. Once the fake treasure was found, the alleged scammers had a person posing as a priest tell the victims via video call that the found objects could not be sold in Turkey as they supposedly had some cultural value which would draw the attention of the state. However, there was a demand for them abroad, which he could help facilitate, for a fee.
The suspects performed this same scam in nine different Turkish provinces using dozens of alleged con artists who traveled around rural areas of the country selling the maps. The scammers claimed to be from outside the area and were having trouble following the treasure maps, so they were willing to sell them the locals who were more familiar with the region.
Of course, once the scammers received their money, the victims never heard from them again. This led to numerous complaints being filed with law enforcement.
Following a police operation covering all nine provinces, 25 people ended up being arrested. During a search of the suspects’ homes, officers found figurines, SIM cards, weapons and foreign currency. The arrested members of the group are now on trial for fraud.
As we have seen in the past with the 10-year-long hunt for Fenn’s Treasure in the United States, people are more than willing to spend massive amounts of time and money and risk their personal safety (five people died) in the pursuit of treasure that they believe will change their lives.