DOZENS of OnlyFans models are facing a decade behind bars after Turkey launched a crackdown on influencers using the banned platform.
As many as 27 content creators are facing up to 10 years in prison after prosecutors filed an indictment over alleged obscene online content.
A number of Turkish influencers are facing time behind bars for profiting off OnlyFans Credit: Newsflash
A number of arrest warrants have now been issued Credit: Newsflash
The case – now being heard in Istanbul – follows a cybercrime that started months ago.
Prosecutors claim suspects earned money by sharing sexually explicit content through and other subscription-based platforms.
OnlyFans has been blocked in since 2023, but investigators say users are able to access the site by scrambling their IP addresses.
This comes amid a bitter cultural divide in Turkey between secular, liberal segments of society and the country’s more conservative political and social establishment.
The state has already seized millions in assets related to the probe Credit: Newsflash
Critics view the platform as an erosion of traditional values Credit: Newsflash
OnlyFans and similar platforms have become a flashpoint in that debate.
Critics see them as undermining traditional values, while supporters argue adults should not be punished for private choices.
The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office launched the probe after claims were making huge sums of cash despite the ban.
Investigators examined bank accounts, money transfers, and company records linked to suspects named in the case.
This led to a number of raids in Istanbul and several other provinces back in February.
Officers detained 17 suspects, while detention orders were issued for 25 in total.
Images show some of the influencers named in the case, including Serpil Cansiz, Merve Taskin and Burcin Erol.
Some of those named were reportedly abroad at the time, while others were already in custody for separate investigations.
Authorities have since ordered the seizure of assets worth millions of Turkish lira – ranging from vehicles and property to company accounts.
Police previously said funds of around £5million had been seized or frozen as part of the case.
The indictment is now seeking sentences of up to 10 years for each of the defendants.
Turkish media reported that the indictment has been accepted, meaning the defendants are now expected to appear in court.
The defendants will be able to give their legal responses when the trial opens.
Until then, the investigation remains ongoing.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
