26.02.2026 11:30
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated in a live broadcast that he has been receiving illegal betting SMS messages. Minister Gürlek said, "I receive constant messages on my phone, and you do too. They are constantly advertising on social media. We are working on it. If I don't want to receive messages, I shouldn't be getting them."
The Minister of Justice, Akın Gürlek, made striking evaluations regarding current issues during a television program he attended.
Touching on the subject of illegal betting and stating that he receives SMS messages on his phone, Minister Gürlek said, "Messages are constantly coming to my phone and to yours as well. They are constantly advertising on social media. We are working on it. If I don't want it, I shouldn't be receiving messages."
"ILLEGAL BETTING IS UNFORTUNATELY VERY COMMON"
Minister Gürlek continued his statements as follows; "In Istanbul, we fought to the end on this issue. Illegal betting is unfortunately very common. People from all segments of society can be included in this system. People fall into this trap hoping to make quick money. Illegal betting constantly changes its methods. We solve one system, and then a new method is developed. It is generally played through betting sites located abroad. In the initial phase, student accounts were used. Unfortunately, some individuals who appear to be 'victims' rented student accounts. Money traffic was provided through these accounts, and the system was operated in exchange for certain commissions. The money was transferred abroad.
"NOW THEY HAVE STARTED TO USE PAYMENT SYSTEMS"
After this method was resolved, payment tools and payment systems began to be used. We conducted operations against many payment institutions. Because this system was being facilitated with high commissions. Money was also being transferred abroad through these channels. We identified this method as well. Now, different methods are being used. There is a system called the "panel method" in illegal betting. We have identified this too.
After this panel method, money goes abroad. From abroad, those who manage the illegal betting company or organization bring this money back to Turkey later. This is very important. When this money comes to Turkey, it comes as dirty money. In other words, this money needs to be integrated into the system. Here, front companies are established, fake invoices and fake documents are prepared. We conducted operations related to these issues in Istanbul. Channels were purchased in digital media, and some financial structures were acquired. This money is not subject to tax; it is unregistered money and difficult to trace. Therefore, when you fight against illegal betting, you also need to fight in many different areas.
"WHEN THIS MONEY COMES TO TURKEY, IT COMES AS DIRTY MONEY"
Unfortunately, everyone is playing this. There are betting sites abroad. Initially, they used student accounts, renting them. In illegal betting, there must be a method for the money to enter the system through panel management. When this money comes to Turkey, it comes as dirty money. This money is not subject to tax. I sent a circular to our 81 chief public prosecutors that our fight against illegal betting and virtual gambling will continue. We need to dry up the swamp."