21.04.2026 20:56
Simultaneous operations were carried out in 40 provinces as a result of illegal betting investigations conducted by the Diyarbakır and Sandıklı Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices. While 102 people were detained, it was determined that the total transaction volume of the criminal organizations was 36 billion liras. Minister of Justice Gürlek announced that they will continue to fight against illegal betting with determination.
As a result of operations conducted in 40 provinces within the scope of two separate illegal betting investigations carried out by the Diyarbakır and Sandıklı Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices, 102 people were detained.
MAJOR ILLEGAL BETTING OPERATION
The state's determination regarding illegal betting and online gambling was once again demonstrated in two separate operations conducted in Diyarbakır and Sandıklı. The words of Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, "Our fight against illegal betting and online gambling will continue to the end," found concrete expression with the two operations carried out.
In two different illegal betting operations conducted by the Diyarbakır and Sandıklı Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices, two separate criminal organizations with transaction volumes reaching 36 billion 34 million liras were dismantled. In the two separate illegal betting investigations carried out, proceedings were initiated against 144 suspects.
"35.8 BILLION LIRA DIRTY MONEY TRAFFIC"
In the investigation conducted by the Diyarbakır Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a large-scale operation was carried out targeting the money transfer chain linked to illegal betting activities and the laundering of proceeds of crime. According to MASAK reports, the total transaction volume of the criminal organization was determined to be 35 billion 861 million 796 thousand 103 liras and 52 kurus.
OPERATION IN 40 PROVINCES: 102 DETAINED
Following this, a simultaneous operation was organized in 40 provinces on April 21st against the criminal network. In the operation, bank and cryptocurrency accounts belonging to a total of 190 suspects were seized. Seizure measures were also applied to 9 vehicles and 2 plots of land, valued at approximately 10 million 750 thousand liras, believed to have been obtained from crime and belonging to 14 suspects. Of the 130 suspects for whom arrest and detention warrants were issued, 102 were captured and detained. It was learned that examinations are continuing on the digital material and financial data obtained within the scope of the investigation.
It was learned that among the people detained within the framework of the operations in Diyarbakır was an execution protection officer. Clerk İ.M.K., working at Diyarbakır No. 4 T Type Prison, was detained at his residence on suspicion of illegal betting.
"TRANSACTION VOLUME OF 540 MILLION LIRA"
In the investigation centered in Sandıklı, as a result of technical and physical work, a criminal network with a transaction volume of approximately 540 million liras was dismantled. Centered in Sandıklı, simultaneous raids were organized on April 17th in Adana, Ankara, Şanlıurfa, Bingöl, and Afyonkarahisar. During searches at the suspects' residences and workplaces, numerous digital materials, mobile phones, SIM cards, and bank cards were seized, and the suspects' accounts were confiscated. Within the scope of the investigation, proceedings were initiated against 14 suspects, while 7 people were detained. Of the detained suspects, 5 were arrested, 1 was released under judicial control conditions, and 1 was released.
"WE MUST DRAIN THE SWAMP"
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that they have been determined in the fight against illegal betting and online gambling since the first day he took office, saying, "Our fight against illegal betting and online gambling will continue to the end. We must drain the swamp."