Two gorgeous influencer sisters who were known for offering paid lavish trips to lucky fans have been arrested for money laundering and being alleged members of a criminal gang.
Nihal and Bahar Candan were led away handcuffed and in tears by police officers in Istanbul, Turkey, on 14th November.
The sister duo were arrested following a six-month investigation that reportedly linked them to Onur Apaydın, a former cop who was apprehended in May for being the alleged leader of a criminal gang.
The Istanbul Police Department and the Directorate of Security Branch determined that the suspects claimed to sell vehicles at cheap prices through tenders received from state institutions.
They collected approximately TRY 10 million (GBP 277,000) from 13 people, and it was determined that the suspects did not deliver any vehicles to the victims, citing problems with the tender, and did not give them any refunds.
Police said Onur would organise meals in luxury restaurants to introduce the vehicles he claimed to sell to the victims.
In these introductions, it was alleged that the sisters Nihal and Bahar also participated.
Investigators believe that the participation of social media influencers aimed to gain the victims’ trust.
But the sisters claimed they had nothing to do with the scheme and denied having met Onur more than once.
They reportedly dismissed a social media claim that they received TRY 12 million (GBP 330,000) as a simple joke.
The siblings reportedly broke down outside the courthouse after they were formally charged with qualified fraud.
Bahar said: “The real criminals are outside, there is no money in my account; we were arrested just because we are famous.”
Bahar previously made headlines for offering USD 300 per day for a companion to accompany her on a trip to Dubai.
In the bizarre post, she wrote (in her native Turkish): “I am looking for a friend who will come to Dubai with me.
“Seven-star hotel, the privilege of flying business class with me. USD 300 every day, for a total of six days. Apply now.”
Before that, she attracted social media attention by offering to take one lucky fan to a fancy dinner and pay them USD 200.
The sisters were transferred to the Marmara Prison in Silivri, where they will await trial.
The investigation is ongoing.
