I Let Someone Use My IBAN or Bank Account and Was Called for Questioning: What Is Examined in the Investigation?

An acquaintance says that their account is not working and asks for your IBAN. Money arrives, and you transfer it onward or withdraw it in cash and hand it over. Months later, you are called by the police or prosecutor and learn that the transactions are being examined in a fraud or illegal-betting investigation.

In brief: The fact that the account is in your name does not by itself prove every element of an offence. At the same time, saying “I only lent my account” may not be sufficient in every case. What you knew about the purpose of the transactions, the flow of funds, the communications and any benefit you received may all be examined.

First determine the capacity in which you have been called

Giving information as a witness is different from giving a statement as a suspect. Verify through official channels which authority issued the request and what information can lawfully be disclosed about the file. Never send money to anyone claiming by telephone to be a police officer, prosecutor or court official.

A suspect has the right to be informed of the accusation and to receive legal assistance. The summons should not be ignored, but the procedural position should be understood before a statement is given. Access to parts of an investigation file can be restricted in accordance with the law.

Questions that can become important

Investigators may ask who requested the use of the account, what reason was given and how long you had known that person. They may also examine whether you handed over a banking password, phone or card, who directed each incoming and outgoing transfer and whether you received any fee or commission.

Repeated payments from unrelated senders, immediate onward transfers and messages discussing commissions may be considered together with the rest of the evidence. Conversely, a high amount or a single receipt should not be treated as automatic proof of guilt. Knowledge and intent must be assessed against the actual facts.

Records that may support an accurate defence

Complete messages in which use of the account or IBAN was requested.
Receipts for all relevant incoming and outgoing transfers.
Any available record concerning alleged cash withdrawals or handovers.
Job offers, advertisements or messages referring to fees or commission.
Accurate information about who had access to the device, card or banking credentials.
Bank or platform notifications made after you learned of the incident.

Do not delete or alter records and do not attempt to agree a common story with other people. If you cannot remember a date, say that it should be checked against the records rather than presenting a guess as certain. Creating a false sale or loan relationship after the event can create additional problems.

Does locating the person who actually used the account end your responsibility?

Evidence that another person carried out the transactions can be highly relevant, but your own role is still examined. Any allegation of knowingly assisting depends on the offence under investigation and the evidence. It is equally incorrect to assume that the registered account holder must automatically be the offender.

Fraud, facilitating money transfers linked to illegal betting and money-laundering allegations are not the same. A generic defence copied from the internet can miss important distinctions if the offence actually being investigated is not identified.

Repayment and account restrictions are separate matters

Before paying anyone who claims to be a victim, verify the demand and the identity of the person entitled to receive payment. The effect of compensating a loss depends on the offence and the stage of proceedings; there is no rule that payment automatically ends the case.

Any restriction on your bank account also needs its own legal basis to be identified. Giving a statement or naming another person does not itself remove an account measure. Defence, repayment and challenging a restriction serve different purposes.

Frequently asked questions

I received no commission. Can I still be investigated?

Yes. The absence of a financial benefit may be important, but it does not prevent examination of the other circumstances.

Is being a student or trusting a friend a complete defence?

These facts may help explain the context, but the legal assessment still depends on the actual transactions and communications.

If I close the account now, will the case disappear?

No. Closing an account does not erase earlier transactions. Secure the account, preserve the records and address the investigation on its actual facts.

Prepare a clear record before making an enquiry

Write down who asked to use the account, when and for what stated reason. Match incoming and outgoing payments to the records; list any cash delivery or commission separately. Preserve communications and the official notice. Identify uncertain details as uncertain rather than filling gaps with assumptions.

DISCUSS YOUR CASE

Discuss an investigation involving use of your bank account

We can review how your account was used, the transactions and the summons to give a statement to assess your options under Turkish law.

Open the contact form

A brief summary and important dates are enough for an initial enquiry. Send documents only when requested by our lawyers, through the channel they specify. Do not share passwords, one-time codes or wallet keys.

Sources and legislation

Turkish Criminal Code No. 5237
Code of Criminal Procedure No. 5271
Law No. 7258, Article 5

Originally prepared on 8 September 2026. This article provides general information on Turkish law. Remedies and deadlines should be assessed against the documents and circumstances of each case. The image is illustrative.