# Turkish man makes $2.5 million by selling tap water as Zamzam water

> Turkish authorities uncovered a large counterfeit Zamzam water scheme led by Mehmet Bilal Ç, who earned $2.5 million in five months by mixing tap water with small amounts of genuine Zamzam water. A raid exposed 15 tonne…

Published: 2025-01-13 · Desk: Latest · Source: Jagonews24

Turkish authorities have uncovered a large-scale counterfeit Zamzam water operation, revealing that a man had been profiting millions from selling fake Zamzam water. A raid on the facility led to the discovery of 15 tonnes of tap water packaged in containers falsely branded as authentic Zamzam water from Saudi Arabia, according to reports by MENA citing Turkish media. Initial investigations suggest that the fraudulent scheme, operating throughout Turkey, generated nearly 90 million Turkish lira (approximately $2.5 million) in just five months.

The suspect, identified as Mehmet Bilal Ç, admitted to authorities that his operation produced 20 tonnes of counterfeit Zamzam water daily, yielding around 600,000 lira ($22,000) per day. Mehmet disclosed that a substantial portion of the Zamzam water sold in Turkey, including in major cities such as Istanbul, came from his facility located in Adana, southern Turkey. During the raid, officials found thousands of counterfeit labels intended to deceive buyers, with Arabic text and references to Saudi Arabia to exploit the religious and cultural importance of Zamzam water for Muslims. Mehmet claimed he mixed small quantities of genuine Zamzam water—brought in by vehicles from Saudi Arabia—with tap water at his facility. He also stated that no customer complaints had been reported prior to the exposure of the operation.

Authorities seized the counterfeit water for destruction, sealed the facility, and initiated an investigation to track down all those connected to the scheme. Zamzam water holds deep religious significance for Muslims, particularly during Ramadan, which drives high demand in Turkey. Bottles of Zamzam water are widely sold in markets and stores, making the scale of the operation especially concerning. Images from the raid shared by Turkish media showed bottles intended for personal use and larger containers, all bearing counterfeit branding, highlighting the extensive nature of the scam. Officials are continuing efforts to prevent similar fraudulent activities in the future, ensuring consumer protection and maintaining the sanctity of Zamzam water.

Original reporting: https://www.jagonews24.com/en/international/news/79767
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