E-Commerce CEO Claims Abuse After Arrest Over Closed Phone Line Fraud

Türkiye’s tech world was shaken after T-Soft CEO Ömer Arıkan revealed he was taken from his office in handcuffs on allegations tied to a phone line his company had closed two years earlier. The well-known e-commerce infrastructure provider’s executive described the experience as “unnecessary humiliation and bad treatment.”

“You’re Wanted” — Arrest at the Office

Arıkan shared his account on LinkedIn, saying two police officers came to his workplace, stating: “There’s a warrant for you.” He was denied the chance to leave with colleagues and instead escorted in a police vehicle.

He was first taken for a medical check, then to Çağlayan Courthouse, where he says he was placed in a basement holding cell on floor -7.

“They took my belongings and phone, didn’t tell me my alleged crime, and locked me behind bars with nine others. There was no clock inside. People said, ‘This is where God forgets you… you could be kept for five days.’ They didn’t let me contact my lawyer.”

The Fraud Case Behind the Arrest

According to prosecutors, an individual named E.E. reported being scammed in 2024 after paying ₺749 to a fraudulent number listed online for a vehicle inspection appointment.

That number had once belonged to T-Soft. Arıkan explained:

• The line was opened under the company’s name in 2021.

• It was closed in 2023.

• At the time of the alleged fraud in 2024, the line was no longer registered to T-Soft.

Arıkan said he gave this evidence in his statement and was released shortly after.

“No Need for Humiliation”

The CEO listed his grievances:

1. “Bad treatment was unnecessary.”

2. “There was no need to put me behind bars.”

3. “Two police officers, a doctor, and a patrol car were wasted for nothing.”

4. “The state should have known the line wasn’t ours at the time.”

5. “I could have been invited to testify at my office instead.”

6. “My right to communication was violated.”

7. “Even a clock in the cell was missing.”

He even noted that he missed an online meeting with Meta because he was detained.

Despite the ordeal, Arıkan said:

“Tomorrow morning I’ll be back at my office, working as always. I will live and die in this country. But sadly, many who don’t want to go through what I experienced end up leaving Türkiye.”

“I Don’t Want to Weaken Our State”

After his post went viral, reaching nearly a million interactions on LinkedIn alone, Arıkan followed up with a second statement, clarifying his stance:

“I never wanted to humiliate our state or weaken our institutions. My concerns ended up disturbing many people. For that, I apologize.”

He thanked colleagues and strangers for their support, stressing his commitment to staying in Türkiye and continuing his work.

Bigger Questions Raised

The incident highlights broader issues:

• Corporate liability: Should executives be held personally accountable for old company numbers misused after closure?

• Judicial procedures: Why wasn’t he summoned formally instead of being placed in detention?

• Investor climate: Arıkan’s experience reflects frustrations that push many entrepreneurs to relocate abroad.