22.04.2026 12:22
15 suspects have been detained on allegations of black market ticket sales for the football match between Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe. In an operation conducted for the first time in Turkey as part of an investigation initiated by the Anatolian Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a large amount of money and jerseys of football teams ready for sale were seized. Digital materials belonging to the suspects were also confiscated.
An investigation was launched by the Istanbul Anatolian Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office following allegations of black market ticket sales during the Beşiktaş-Fenerbahçe football match played at Tüpraş Stadium on November 2, 2025.
Within the scope of the investigation conducted with the Sports Security Branch Directorate, it was determined that 1900 tickets for the Fenerbahçe stands were put on sale on October 31, 2025, 632 of which were sold in a short time, while the other tickets could not be sold in the system for a long period.
SALES VIA WHATSAPP AND TELEGRAM
It was found that those wishing to purchase these tickets could not access the Passolig system, and during this process, suspicious individuals blocked the system and purchased the remaining tickets in bulk. It was understood that the suspects sold some of these tickets around the stadium before the match and some via social media platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and X over the internet.
As a result of the study on the bank and credit card holders from whom the tickets were purchased, suspects who collectively purchased match tickets using the same internet connection and same card information were identified.
MONEY TRANSFERS DETECTED
Within the scope of the investigation, it was determined that suspects with money transfers containing numerous descriptions such as "match", "transfer", "stand", "ticket", "GS", "FB", "BJK", "season ticket" in their bank account movements also had regular money flow among themselves. While unusual money inflows and outflows were detected in the accounts of some suspects, it was understood that the suspects had conversations with each other before the match.
SIMULTANEOUS RAIDS IN 8 PROVINCES
Within the scope of the investigation, a simultaneous operation was carried out in 8 provinces following a detention decision for 15 suspects on charges of "disrupting the operation of the information system" and "selling tickets above their value".
During the operation, 15 suspects were apprehended, and searches at the addresses yielded large amounts of money and jerseys ready for sale belonging to football teams. Digital materials belonging to the suspects were also seized. A 1-year ban from watching sports competitions was imposed on the suspects brought to the police station for processing.
Source: AA, DHA