Internet Blackmail and Turkish Criminal Law

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With the rise of information technologies and the Internet, personal data has become more exposed to cyber threats, leading to blackmail and threats through digital platforms. These crimes have become increasingly common, prompting the enactment of legal provisions such as Article 106 and Article 107 of the Turkish Criminal Code to protect victims.

1. What Constitutes a Threat Crime in Turkey? (Article 106 of the Turkish Criminal Code)

Under Article 106, it is a criminal offence to threaten another person by:

  • Endangering their life
  • Causing harm to their bodily integrity
  • Violating their sexual immunity
  • Threatening relatives of the victim
  • Inflicting property damage

Penalty for Threat Crimes

  • Standard threat crime → 6 months to 2 years of imprisonment
  • If committed as part of an organized crime group or with a weapon → Up to 5 years of imprisonment

2. What is Blackmail Under Turkish Law? (Article 107 of the Turkish Criminal Code)

Blackmail occurs when the perpetrator forces the victim to:

  • Do something illegal or legal against their will
  • Avoid doing something they are entitled to do
  • Provide financial or material benefits

If the blackmailer gains an advantage by threatening to reveal private or embarrassing information, this is also punishable as blackmail under Article 107.

Penalty for Blackmail Crimes

  • Blackmail offence → 1 to 3 years of imprisonment
  • Judicial fine of up to 5,000 days

3. How Are Threat and Blackmail Crimes Committed?

These crimes are commonly committed through:

  • Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Messaging applications (WhatsApp, Skype)
  • Emails and phishing attacks
  • Personal interactions and coercion

The perpetrator typically gathers compromising information and threatens to expose it unless the victim provides money, assets, or cooperation.

4. Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Threat or Blackmail in Turkey

If you are a victim, it is crucial to gather evidence and file a criminal complaint with Turkish authorities.

How to File a Criminal Complaint?

  • Collect all evidence (screenshots, messages, emails, photos, IP addresses)
  • Identify the perpetrator’s profile or contact details
  • Report the crime to the nearest law enforcement agency or prosecutor’s office
  • Seek legal assistance from a lawyer

Once authorities investigate, if the perpetrator is found guilty, they will be imprisoned according to the severity of the crime.

5. How to Protect Yourself from Blackmail and Cyber Threats?

To prevent becoming a victim of internet blackmail, consider the following security measures:

  • Never share private information online
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts
  • Avoid sharing intimate content over the internet
  • Report suspicious messages or threats immediately

Conclusion: Legal Protection for Blackmail and Threat Victims in Turkey

Victims of blackmail and threats in Turkey have legal protection under the Turkish Criminal Code. If you experience online blackmail or threats, it is essential to take immediate legal action. Turkish authorities take cyber threats and blackmail seriously, imposing strict penalties to ensure justice for victims.

If you need assistance in filing a criminal complaint or legal protection, seeking advice from a lawyer experienced in cybercrime law is highly recommended.