Bybit P2P Transaction Leads to Unexpected Fraud Investigation

Over approximately three months, I completed a total of 16 transactions through Bybit’s P2P system. My only intention was to convert the USDT balance I held into Turkish lira. These transactions resulted in a total trading volume of approximately $20,500. Although I had the option to sell my USDT on other platforms, I chose to use Bybit P2P in good faith.

Out of the 16 transactions I made, only three involved the same person, and I never thought this could potentially cause a problem later. Following a P2P transaction of approximately $615 on July 25, I was summoned by the prosecutor’s office to give a statement. According to the prosecutor’s document, it appears that the actual owner of the bank account from which the money originated was unaware of the transfer, and that the money was first sent to that person and then transferred to me.

I had no malicious intent whatsoever in this matter, and I have no involvement in fraud or any other crime. I simply sold my own USDT through the P2P system in order to convert my cryptocurrency into Turkish lira. I have all of my correspondence, transaction screenshots, and other evidence related to the process, and I can provide them in detail if requested.

Unfortunately, I believe the P2P system does not provide users with sufficient warnings about these types of legal risks. People who simply want to convert their cryptocurrency in good faith can potentially become involved in fraud investigations without realizing the risks associated with the source of the funds. I request much clearer information about the risks associated with the counterparty’s bank account, possible fraud scenarios, and how users can protect themselves when using P2P services. I also ask that users who experience situations like mine be provided with appropriate support during the legal process.

I want P2P platforms to strengthen the necessary safeguards and warning mechanisms so that people like me, who simply want to convert their cryptocurrency and have committed no wrongdoing, are not unnecessarily drawn into investigations of this nature.