Update: 1 suspect released in Seçil Erzan case
The trial of bank branch manager Seçil Erzan, accused of defrauding more than 30 people, including prominent football players Arda Turan, Fernando Muslera, Emre Belözoğlu, and Selçuk İnan, of approximately $25 million and 7,384,000 liras under false pretenses, continued in Istanbul. The hearing, held at the Istanbul 41st High Criminal Court with 8 defendants, saw the presence of defendants Seçil Erzan and Ali Yörük, both in custody, as well as other defendants not in custody. Legal representatives from both sides were also present during the proceedings.
During the hearing, defendant Rüya Sağır provided her defense, stating that she had been in contact with Seçil Erzan, who had informed her that if Fatih Terim inquired about the accounts, she could provide updates. Sağır mentioned that she had been suspended from her position regarding the case in April and later reinstated, resigning in October 2023. Complainant Sevgi Sini also testified, alleging that she had deposited money from the sale of a plot of land into the bank based on promises made by Erzan, only to realize later that the funds were not as secure as claimed.
Erzan, in her defense, denied the accusations of fraud, stating that she had been manipulated and pressured into fulfilling unreasonable demands. She expressed disappointment in the lack of support from the bank and called for compensation for all victims involved in the case. The court decided to release defendant Ali Yörük while continuing the detention of Erzan.
Additionally, the court ordered notifications to be made to the prosecutor’s office regarding bank employees responsible for tampering with evidence and rejected the request for Fatih Terim to testify again, deeming his previous statement sufficient. The panel also instructed an inquiry into the insurance coverage for the accounts in question and adjourned the hearing to November 15, 2024.
Following the court’s decision, Erzan was visibly emotional, shedding tears. The case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of high-profile individuals and the substantial amount of money involved.
As the trial progresses, further developments are expected to shed light on the complexities of the case and provide justice for the victims affected by the alleged fraud scheme.
