Istanbul, Turkey – In a shocking daylight robbery, a 57-year-old Norwegian lawyer was violently attacked and robbed of $400,000 in cash in the heart of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. The lawyer, who had arrived in the city from Oslo on Friday, November 22, was in Istanbul to represent a client in a major financial matter involving tax payments to the Turkish government.
The robbery occurred on Monday, November 25, shortly after the lawyer completed a transaction at Coinsfera, a cryptocurrency exchange based in the bustling Beyoğlu area. He was en route to the Beyoğlu tax office in a taxi when the attack took place. According to reports, five masked assailants ambushed the vehicle, assaulted the lawyer, and made off with the large sum of cash.
The lawyer, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed for security reasons, was reportedly carrying the $400,000 in cash to settle income taxes on behalf of his client. According to preliminary investigations, the lawyer had carried out a similar high-value financial transactions previously on Friday. Police suspect the attackers had been monitoring his movements over the weekend, waiting for an opportune moment to strike. The robbers, armed and masked, forced the lawyer to surrender the money before assaulting him. Witnesses said the lawyer was severely beaten during the attack, and he was quickly rushed to Memorial Şişli Hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition.
It has been confirmed that the $400,000 in cash was intended to be paid as income tax on behalf of the lawyer’s client. This high-profile transaction, which involved the substantial sum of money, was part of the lawyer’s duties related to his client’s financial obligations in Turkey.
The taxi driver, who was present during the incident, was initially detained for questioning but was later cleared of any involvement. Authorities also questioned staff members at Coinsfera, though no links to the robbery have been found.
Istanbul police have launched a full investigation into the robbery, but progress has been slow. The attackers, wearing masks, left no forensic evidence at the scene, making it difficult to trace them. “The perpetrators clearly planned the robbery meticulously, leaving no immediate leads,” said a police spokesperson.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of high-value financial transactions in Istanbul, particularly involving foreign visitors and professionals. The lawyer’s case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by those handling large sums of money, especially in a city known for its dynamic financial and business sectors.
This robbery has sparked broader discussions about the safety and security of international business dealings in Istanbul, especially those involving large sums of cash. The city, known for its role as a hub for finance, cryptocurrency, and international trade, is increasingly attracting foreign professionals handling significant financial transactions. This incident underscores the risks of transporting large amounts of money, especially for foreign nationals who may be unfamiliar with the security challenges in urban centers.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crime to come forward. The police continue to investigate the case, and while no arrests have yet been made, they are focusing on identifying the masked attackers who left little trace at the crime scene. Local security measures may also come under scrutiny as officials work to ensure the safety of those engaged in high-stakes financial dealings.
As the investigation continues, the robbery has become a cautionary tale for individuals involved in large international transactions. It has highlighted the need for enhanced security protocols for the transportation of cash and valuable assets, as well as the importance of vigilance for those working in global financial markets.
The attack on the Norwegian lawyer in Istanbul has not only shaken the local business community but also drawn attention to the growing need for improved security measures in financial transactions, particularly in cities that serve as major international hubs. As Turkish authorities continue to investigate the crime, they are calling on the public to provide any information that might help identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
In the meantime, the case serves as a reminder of the risks faced by foreign professionals handling large sums of money in unfamiliar cities, and the importance of prioritizing safety and security in global financial operations.