30.06.2026 08:41
In an illegal betting operation organized under the coordination of the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office targeting the Çapkanlar criminal organization, detention orders were issued for 28 suspects, and 24 people were apprehended. The investigation revealed that over 5 billion TL in criminal proceeds from illegal betting was transferred into crypto assets and laundered through cold wallets, while digital materials and drugs were also seized during the operations.
As part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Money Laundering Crime Investigation Bureau; it was determined among 28 suspects who are members of the Çapkanlar criminal organization, based on expert reports, MASAK bulk financial data analysis, and Cryptocurrency/Electronic Money Institution data, that there were high-value money movements, the source of these transactions was unclear, banking transfers significantly exceeded potential income levels, money derived from illegal gambling crime began to enter the suspects' accounts over time, and ultimately, the money reaching a certain amount was transferred to Cryptocurrency and Electronic Money Institution accounts and then to cold wallet addresses, thereby laundering a total of 5 billion 66 million 473 thousand 505 TL in criminal proceeds from illegal gambling.
24 SUSPECTS DETAINED
In an operation conducted by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command KOM Branch Directorate, centered in Istanbul and covering the provinces of Ankara, Sivas, Diyarbakır, and Batman, 24 of the 28 suspects against whom detention orders were issued were apprehended and taken into custody. During the searches, digital materials were seized, and half a kilogram of drugs was confiscated. The investigation into the incident continues.