A 27-year-old Danish-Turkish man identified as Michael Sezgin Deniz has been named as the alleged mastermind behind Denmark’s largest phone scam operation, which defrauded elderly victims of over 25 million Danish kroner. Despite being charged and subject to detention in absentia, he remains at large, reportedly living in the Turkish resort city of Alanya.
Court Lifts Name Ban on Alleged Scam Leader
The Eastern High Court recently lifted a name ban protecting Michael Sezgin Deniz after TV 2 appealed the lower court’s decision. The court cited that he is charged with crimes of “major social significance.” Deniz holds both Danish and Turkish citizenship and is 27 years old.
In November last year, Deniz was placed in detention in absentia by the Copenhagen City Court. He faces charges for defrauding 87 Danish victims of 25.1 million kroner, plus attempted fraud for an additional 42.6 million kroner. These amounts make it the largest phone scam case in Danish history.
Undercover Investigation Reveals Operations
TV 2’s documentary series “The Fake Police Commissioner” exposed Deniz’s alleged role through undercover journalism. On a beach bar in Thailand, a TV 2 journalist captured Deniz on hidden camera describing his operation in detail.
From the Thai resort island of Phuket, Deniz and his network allegedly called unsuspecting Danish citizens, posing as police officers. The operation successfully defrauded victims of millions. TV 2 documented the methods using hacked files that revealed the scammers’ techniques.
During the conversation, Deniz reportedly claimed to be the leader of a network with callers and accomplices in Denmark, each playing specific roles. First, victims receive phone calls, then fake police officers visit them to collect credit cards or manipulate them into surrendering valuables.
The Scam System
According to the undercover footage, Deniz explained his setup in detail. He claimed responsibility for paying rent, covering all expenses, and managing the systems. He mentioned having drivers in Denmark and accounts for cashing out proceeds.
Criminal History and Violent Past
This is far from Deniz’s first brush with the law. Just weeks after his 15th birthday, he robbed a Superbest store in Valby. Over the following years, he accumulated convictions for serious violence, witness intimidation, and drug offenses before leaving Denmark in 2020.
One of his most notable convictions came in 2016 when he assaulted several educators with an ash shovel. The incident occurred during a cabin trip to Norway with the Nexus residential facility.
Since leaving Denmark, his lifestyle appeared dramatically different. His now-deleted Instagram account displayed expensive cars, luxury travel, and conspicuous amounts of cash.
Current Whereabouts in Turkey
Multiple sources have told TV 2 that Deniz currently resides in Alanya, a Turkish resort city where his parents own an apartment. Many photos from his former Instagram profile showed this location.
Despite knowing his likely whereabouts, Danish authorities have not successfully apprehended him. His dual citizenship complicates matters significantly. Turkey generally does not extradite its own citizens to face prosecution in other countries.
Police Remain Confident
Copenhagen Police confirm Deniz remains at large despite being wanted. However, Deputy Police Inspector Bjarke Dalsgaard Madsen expressed confidence in his eventual capture. He emphasized that the case will proceed regardless of whether suspects are in Denmark.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard acknowledged the challenges but insisted extradition remains realistic. He stated Danish authorities are working diligently and skillfully to secure Deniz’s extradition from Turkey.
Network of Accomplices Sentenced
Several members of the alleged criminal network have already faced justice. In January 2026, 57-year-old nurse Cristina Achena Matras received four and a half years in prison for defrauding six victims of approximately ten million kroner. She has appealed for acquittal.
In November 2025, 27-year-old Thor Bahne Billing received two years imprisonment for 65 frauds totaling nearly 3.8 million kroner. His role involved collecting credit cards from victims at their homes and attempting to withdraw funds or make purchases.
Meanwhile, James Munch Vestergaard, formerly known as Sunil Sharif, was arrested in September 2025. Interestingly, he had been serving as director of DigitalSikring ApS, a company offering elderly citizens protection against phone scams. Police charged him with participating in a million-kroner fraud and acting as a middleman.
Female Callers Charged
Two young women face charges for making the initial phone calls to victims, launching the scams that caused substantial financial losses. Both women’s social media profiles show luxury lifestyles with photos from Dubai, Thailand, and Turkey. They deny the charges and remain protected by name bans.
Deniz Denies Involvement
Through his attorney, Deniz has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In a previous telephone interview with TV 2, he stated he doesn’t know much about phone scams. His lawyer did not respond to requests for comment on this latest article.
The case highlights the growing sophistication of international fraud operations targeting vulnerable populations. As authorities work across borders to bring suspects to justice, the challenge of extradition and jurisdictional issues remains significant.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Tax Fraud Lock Up British Man for 7.5 Years
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: TV 2 kan nu vise hovedmistænkt i Danmarks største sag om telefonsvindel
