Famous influencers face a cold shower! Here are the accounts worth millions that have been closed.

20.08.2025 12:16

While 30 high-follower social media accounts promoting illegal betting and gambling were shut down, among those subjected to access restrictions were popular figures such as Murat Övüç, who has 4 million followers, Arif Kocabıyık, and YouTuber Mert Sarıç. Followers who tried to access these individuals' profiles encountered the message, "This account is not available in Turkey."

A striking written statement has come from the Ministry of Commerce, which is engaged in a determined fight against illegal betting and gambling advertisements. The statement indicated that access was blocked to 30 social media accounts with high follower counts. While the identities of those whose accounts were closed were a matter of curiosity, it quickly emerged that influencers Murat Övüç, Arif Kocabıyık, and Mert Sarıç were also on the list. Those who tried to access the influencers' accounts with millions of followers encountered a message saying "Not available in Turkey."

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS UNDER SCRUTINY

Today, the Ministry of Commerce announced a decision regarding influencers who promote illegal betting and gambling advertisements. The ministry's statement indicated that access was blocked to 30 accounts; the full statement is as follows: "In the 360th meeting held by the Advertising Board of the Ministry of Commerce on August 14, 2025, illegal betting and gambling advertisements were one of the main agenda items. Social media accounts that encourage consumers to participate in live betting and promote gambling have been put under scrutiny.

ACCESS BLOCKED TO 30 ACCOUNTS

As a result of evaluations made by the Advertising Board, it was decided to implement access blocking measures for 30 social media accounts with high follower counts that were found to be promoting illegal betting and gambling advertisements and directing consumers to various illegal sites. Additionally, it was decided to make the necessary applications to relevant institutions to initiate judicial investigation processes regarding the mentioned social media accounts and the subjects of illegal betting and gambling sites.

"INSPECTIONS WILL CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED"

As the Ministry of Commerce, our efforts and inspections will continue uninterrupted to protect consumers' rights, to combat illegal advertising activities effectively and decisively, and to keep the society, especially the younger generation, away from such harmful effects."

WHO ARE THE 30 NAMES?

While the ministry's decision caused a wide reaction in the public, the identities of the 30 individuals whose accounts were closed became a matter of curiosity.

MURAT ÖVÜÇ'S ACCOUNT HAS BEEN CLOSED

It quickly emerged that influencer Murat Övüç was at the top of the list of names. Those who tried to access Övüç's account, which has 4 million followers, encountered a message saying, "Account not available in Turkey."

ARİF KOCABIYIK AND MERT SARIÇ ARE ALSO ON THE LIST

It was learned that Arif Kocabıyık, the owner of İlave TV, with nearly 500 thousand followers, and YouTuber Mert Sarıç, with 1 million followers, also had their accounts closed as part of the investigation. Furthermore, it was stated in the profile that the legal request came from the BTK.