Advertisement for Engin Polat from an illegal betting website: "Become rich here."

Engin Polat, who was released from prison where he was held on charges of money laundering, became an advertisement for a betting site. The advertisement featured Polat's images with the headline "Engin Polat also became rich here."

Engin Polat, who was charged with "establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes," "money laundering of assets derived from crime," and "violating the law on organizing betting and games of chance in football and other sports competitions," was released on September 6.

ADVERTISEMENT ON AN ILLEGAL BETTING SITE FEATURING "ENGIN POLAT"

While the echoes of Polat's release continue, an illegal betting site featured Engin Polat in their advertisements. The advertisement on the site used Polat's images with the headline "Engin Polat also became rich here."

POLAT CASE

In operations carried out in 6 provinces centered in Istanbul on November 1, 2023, and thereafter, suspects including Dilan Polat and her husband Engin Polat were detained. In the preliminary investigation report prepared by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), it was determined that there was an inflow of 200 million lira to companies owned by family members through the method of issuing fake invoices in exchange for alleged trade from 3 liquidated companies. It was also found that a medical company owned by Dilan and Engin Polat gave the naming rights to another company in Ankara and an attempt was made to transfer 1 million 800 thousand lira in the account of this company to the personal accounts of the partners.

The Anatolian Republic Prosecutor's Office requested a total of 20 to 40 years of imprisonment for Dilan Polat and Engin Polat on charges of "establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes," "money laundering of assets derived from crime," and "violating the Law on Organizing Betting and Games of Chance in Football and Other Sports Competitions." Different prison sentences were requested for other suspects. Dilan Polat, who was arrested on November 5, 2023, was released on August 19, 2024.