A court in Istanbul will examine a $1m fraud case involving Iranian students promised admission to Turkish universities without entrance exams.

The 17 defendants, 15 Iranians and two Turks, lured the victims to Turkey, advertising fake promises of university placements on social media.

They targeted wealthy Iranian families, convincing them that their children could enroll in top universities in fields like medicine and engineering.

Victims were flown to Turkey in groups and housed in dormitory-like buildings under the gang’s control. Families were charged between $45,000 and $150,000, depending on their financial status.

According to attorney Burcu Ertim, quoted by Turkish media, the fraud is believed to have begun around 2021, when members of the gang fled to Turkey following arrests in Iran.

They continued their operations in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. Victims only discovered the scam after realizing their university enrollments were fake, leaving them undocumented and unable to pursue their studies.

“These students came to Turkey hoping to gain an education and return to their homeland, only to face deception. Many have lost years of their lives, their financial savings, and their dreams,” Ertim said.

She also noted that victims suffered significant psychological distress and financial ruin, with many families losing their entire life savings. “When students go to the universities, they learn that there is no enrollment, not even residency. After two years, they face a huge shock,” she added.

The case has been filed at the Bakırköy 24th High Criminal Court. Seven suspects are currently in custody, eight remain fugitives, and two have been released under judicial supervision. All 17 suspects face charges of organized and aggravated fraud related to eight separate incidents.

Attorney İbrahim Şahin said the indictment has been prepared and accepted by the court, with the date yet to be set.

"These individuals will be tried for aggravated fraud," he said. "Each victim will be addressed separately, and the potential sentences add up to more than 200 years. This case involves both organized crime and systematic fraud. It is a significant matter for the victims and for addressing systemic fraud.”