Animal Shelter Scam Exposed: Millions in Donations Diverted to Personal Accounts

A Turkish animal shelter, ‘Silivri Canları 2. Hayat Melekleri,’ has been accused of misappropriating millions of dollars in donations intended for the care of stray animals. An investigation by MASAK, Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board, revealed that the shelter’s accounts received over 37 million Turkish Lira (approximately $2 million USD) in donations between 2021 and 2024. Of this amount, 30 million Lira was allegedly transferred to personal accounts of the shelter’s directors and associates. Authorities also discovered evidence of attempted money laundering through a cosmetics company. The shelter’s director, M.Y., and an employee, A.M.H., were arrested in August 2024 following a raid on the shelter, where 230,000 Lira in cash was seized. Following the investigation, an additional five individuals, including the owner of the cosmetics company, were also arrested. This case has raised concerns about the ethical practices of some animal shelters and the potential for fraud in the name of animal welfare.