Turkey Indicts 49 in Visa Bot Probe As Direct Applications Called 'Practically Impossible' in Türkiye

The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, is examining suspicions that appointment slots are being bulk-purchased using software known as 'bots, according to Gürlek. The minister said the financial audit covers the period from January 2024 to July 2026. Gürlek stated that searches were conducted at 63 separate addresses across Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Balıkesir, Bursa and Izmir. The government had announced in June that it had launched reviews into seven companies over allegations related to intermediary agencies and the appointment system for Schengen visa applications. Prosecutors also reported 'strong findings' regarding several other allegations, including claims that finding a Schengen visa appointment has become increasingly difficult, especially during the summer months, and that applicants are forced to pay extra fees to intermediary companies for faster processing.