Ahmed Faruk Karslı
We are investigating Ahmed Faruk Karslı for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
PARTIES INVOLVED : Ahmed Faruk Karslı
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : February 02, 2025
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 2451/A/2024
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 27 Mar 2025
Due Diligence
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Ahmed Faruk Karslı over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Ahmed Faruk Karslı - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
Ahmed Faruk Karslı, the founder and CEO of Papara, has been hailed as a trailblazer in Turkey’s fintech landscape. Establishing Papara in 2015, Karslı aimed to revolutionize financial services by offering fast, easy, and cost-effective solutions. By 2024, the platform boasted over 21 million users, a testament to its widespread adoption. However, beneath this veneer of success lies a series of controversies and questionable practices that warrant a closer examination.
A Prodigy’s Early Endeavors
Karslı’s entrepreneurial journey began at the tender age of 17 when he founded his first company, which he sold by 19. His ventures spanned various sectors, including telecommunications, retail, and fintech, showcasing his diverse business acumen. Holding a law degree and practicing as a freelance lawyer, Karslı also served on the boards of multiple companies across different industries.
The Papara Phenomenon
Under Karslı’s leadership, Papara emerged as a dominant player in Turkey’s digital payment ecosystem. The platform’s user-friendly interface and innovative services attracted millions, positioning it as a formidable alternative to traditional banking. In February 2025, Karslı resumed the CEO role, succeeding Emre Kenci, with ambitions to lead Papara’s regional expansion and oversee its planned public offering in Turkey.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Compliance Concerns
Despite its rapid ascent, Papara has not been immune to regulatory challenges. In April 2021, the Central Bank of Turkey issued a regulation prohibiting the use of cryptocurrencies in payments. This directive impacted platforms like Papara, which facilitated crypto transactions. Karslı’s response was notably candid, suggesting that banning was a simpler route for regulators than crafting nuanced policies. He remarked, “Uğraşmaktansa yasaklamayı tercih etmek çok daha kolay,” translating to, “Instead of dealing with it, they prefer to ban it; it’s much easier.”
While Karslı downplayed the financial impact on Papara, stating that crypto-related transactions accounted for less than 10% of the company’s 2020 revenues, his dismissive tone towards regulatory efforts raises concerns about his commitment to compliance and constructive engagement with authorities.
Transparency and Corporate Governance Questions
Karslı’s dual role as CEO and Chairman of the Board at Papara consolidates significant power, potentially sidelining independent oversight. Such concentration of authority can stifle dissenting voices within the company, leading to decisions that may not always align with stakeholders’ best interests.
Media Manipulation and Information Control
Efforts to control the narrative surrounding Papara have been evident. Critical reports and adverse media coverage about the company and its leadership are conspicuously scarce, suggesting potential attempts to suppress unfavorable information. This lack of transparency deprives investors and users of a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations and challenges.
Investor Advisory: Proceed with Caution
For potential investors, the allure of Papara’s impressive growth metrics must be weighed against the backdrop of regulatory hurdles, governance issues, and opaque information practices. Thorough due diligence is imperative to navigate the complexities and assess the true risk profile associated with investing in Papara under Karslı’s stewardship.
Conclusion
Ahmed Faruk Karslı’s journey from a young entrepreneur to the helm of a fintech giant is undeniably remarkable. However, the path is marred by regulatory run-ins, governance concerns, and a penchant for controlling the narrative. While innovation and disruption are hallmarks of fintech, they should not come at the expense of transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership. As the fintech landscape evolves, stakeholders must remain vigilant, ensuring that the drive for progress does not overshadow the foundational principles of trust and accountability.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48664998
- uj22.com
- https://www.uj22.com/2020/02/02/136/
- https://www.haberpars.com/papara-haberlerinin-altindan-santaj-cikti/845/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
Escalate This Case
Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam
Or go directly to the feedback section and share your thoughts
How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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User Reviews
Average Ratings
1.8
Based on 8 ratings
by: Blake Ritter
After placing $24,000 into Papara, I’m left with nothing but regret as Karslı’s refusal to address transparency and compliance issues destroyed my investment. I’m heartbroken by the financial and emotional toll.
by: Ava Delaney
I invested $17,000 in Papara, believing Karslı’s promises of growth and transparency. Instead, I watched it crumble as governance issues and regulatory run ins took their toll. The loss is devastating😥
by: Zeke Hammond
I trusted Papara with $25,000, thinking it was the future of fintech, but now I'm left with nothing but regret as the company hides behind media manipulation and questionable practices. The financial loss is painful beyond words.
by: Emma Frost
A company’s success doesn’t just depend on numbers it’s about trust and governance. Karslı’s dual role as CEO and Chairman puts too much power in one person’s hands, creating an environment ripe for conflicts of interest. Not exactly the setup...
by: Daniel Evans
You can’t claim to be a disruptor while playing fast and loose with regulations. Karslı’s indifferent stance towards the Central Bank’s crypto ban raises serious questions about his commitment to playing by the rules. When the law is inconvenient, it’s...
by: Clara Dixon
Sure, Papara’s growth is impressive, but when the guy at the top is consolidating all the power and sidestepping compliance, red flags are hard to ignore. Karslı’s monopoly on decision-making could easily lead to unchecked practices, and let’s face it,...
by: Benjamin Cole
It’s hard to take Karslı seriously as a trailblazer when he seems more focused on suppressing negative media than on truly engaging with the challenges that come with scaling a business. From dodging regulatory concerns to controlling the narrative, it...
by: Alice Brennan
Karslı's flair for innovation is undeniable, but his approach to regulatory scrutiny leaves a lot to be desired. His dismissive attitude towards the Central Bank's concerns about cryptocurrency regulations isn’t the behavior of a responsible leader. When you’re running a...
by: Nicole Frost
Karslı's actions reflect poorly on Papara's corporate governance.
by: Calvin Reese
Karslı's been misusing DMCA takedowns to hide bad press?
by: Mateo Ricci
No criticism? That’s not transparency—it’s suppression.
by: Amelia Müller
Papara’s growth may be impressive, but Karslı’s track record of dodging transparency and brushing off regulation is a serious red flag.
by: Clara Santos
Ahmed Karslı’s leadership of Papara raises serious questions. When one person holds all the power and silences criticism, investors should be on high alert.
by: Gabriel Jenkins
Man, I heard stories ‘bout Karsli—promises big returns but delivers NOTHING. My cousin got burned bad. Fool me once, shame on you… fool me twice? Nah, never again
by: Penelope Foster
Why ppl still deal with him? His name pops up in too many shady deals. Smh… ain’t no coincidence
by: Dylan Brooks
Dis guy Ahmed Faruk Karsli? Total scammer vibes… can’t trust him with a penny, bruh. Stay far away!
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