14.05.2026 10:01
In an illegal betting operation based in Adana, approximately 200 people, including journalist Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, were detained. The investigation alleges that about 100 billion TL in criminal proceeds from illegal betting and fraud were laundered through bank accounts, virtual POS systems, and crypto assets. Detention warrants were also issued for bank executives, police personnel, and lawyers as part of the operation.
In an illegal betting operation based in Adana, legal proceedings have been initiated against approximately 200 individuals, including journalist Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı. The investigation alleges that the suspects laundered illegal betting revenues through bank accounts, virtual POS systems, crypto assets, and shell companies. It was announced that bank managers, police personnel, and lawyers were also included in the detention list.
OPERATION IN 21 PROVINCES, PROCEEDINGS AGAINST 198 SUSPECTS
Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, simultaneous operations were carried out in 21 provinces and 228 separate addresses targeting crimes of illegal betting, qualified fraud, bribery, and money laundering.
Proceedings were initiated against 198 suspects in the operation, while detention decisions were made for 3 bank managers, 8 police personnel, and 4 lawyers.
In the investigation, it was determined that the criminal organization provided financial infrastructure to illegal betting sites, conducted money transfer organizations through electronic money institutions and virtual POS systems, and circulated crime proceeds within a multi-layered financial system.
SUSPICIOUS MONEY MOVEMENT OF 100 BILLION TL
As a result of MASAK reports, technical surveillance efforts, and digital examinations, suspicious money movements of approximately 100 billion TL and 2 billion dollars were identified. In the case file, it was assessed that crime proceeds were laundered through bank accounts, exchange offices, jewelers, shell companies, and crypto asset systems.
Within the scope of the operation, trustees were appointed to 3 electronic money institutions, 3 jewelers operating in Adana, and 1 exchange office; 221 immovable properties, 120 vehicles, and 3 boats were seized. Additionally, access was blocked to 8,500 internet sites containing illegal betting and gambling content.
MINISTER GÜRLEK: HEAVY BLOW STRUCK
In a statement, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek said that the operation dealt "a heavy blow to the multi-layered criminal organization targeting the peace and economy of the nation." Gürlek stated that the Ministries of Justice, Interior, and Treasury and Finance worked in coordination, and emphasized that the fight against illegal betting and financial crime organizations would continue.
SPECIAL THANKS FROM MINISTER GÜRLEK
Minister Gürlek expressed, "I extend my thanks to our Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and our Adana Provincial Police Department for this operation, which was conducted patiently and with great care."