Turkey detains 473 in illegal betting probes
Authorities seized properties worth US$843,349 as investigators examined alleged illegal betting and related financial activity.
Turkey.- The Interior Ministry has announced that 473 suspects were detained over five days as part of an investigation into illegal betting platforms, gambling-related money transfers and the promotion of unlicensed gambling websites. The operation involved actions in 25 provinces.
Of those questioned, 286 suspects have been arrested and 92 were placed under judicial control. The ministry says the investigation uncovered alleged online fraud conducted through social media and phishing websites, with suspects reportedly using fake tax, file, vehicle rental and deposit claims to obtain money. Authorities also claim to have identified cases involving child sexual abuse material and unauthorised access to mobile banking and gaming accounts.
The operation was coordinated by Turkey’s General Directorate of Security’s Cybercrime Fighting Department, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and local chief public prosecutor’s offices. Authorities seized property with a combined value of TL41.3m (US$843,349), along with digital materials.
Earlier in September, a separate investigation centred on Şanlıurfa identified TL3.915bn (US$80m) in transactions across accounts allegedly linked to 37 suspects involved in illegal betting, money transfers and money laundering.
