26.02.2026 11:13
The Minister of Justice, Akın Gürlek, announced his new steps regarding illegal betting and match-fixing. Gürlek stated, "All football matches are being examined. When we looked at the file, we couldn't believe it, we were shocked. I was astonished. I want to establish a special team to combat match-fixing."
The Minister of Justice, Akın Gürlek, answered Ahmed Arpat's questions regarding current issues in a live broadcast on NTV.
Referring to illegal betting operations, Gürlek stated, "Unfortunately, everyone is playing this. There are betting sites abroad. Initially, they used student accounts, rented them. In illegal betting, there must be a method for 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 all 81 chief public prosecutors; our fight against illegal betting and virtual gambling will continue. We need to dry up the swamp." he said.
"WE COULDN'T BELIEVE THE FILES"
Speaking about match-fixing operations in football, Minister Gürlek said the following:
"I want to give an example specifically from Istanbul regarding match-fixing. We did a very good job. It is not enough for just one football player, referee, or sports manager to place a bet. They need to bet on their own match, and this needs to be detected in the same way. MASAK actions are required, money traffic is needed, phone records, and HTS records are necessary. We had formed a very good team regarding these matters. We want the team we established in Istanbul to spread throughout Turkey. All football matches are being examined. We also had our social media network. Citizens complain, saying, 'In this match, neither side scored a goal or took a shot.' We have also prepared an indictment regarding this. Two teams agree to a draw, do not take shots, do not attack the goal. We have expert friends regarding this. I am considering establishing such a special team for all chief public prosecutors across Turkey. I am thinking of setting up a special office. They will also fight against match-fixing and incentives in football, basketball, and other sports in the same way. Because we are all following it."
"WE COULDN'T BELIEVE THE NAMES IN THE FILE"
"Of course, we were surprised. While watching, we couldn't see these, but as judges and prosecutors, we need to look at the file. What happens outside does not concern us. When we looked, we were surprised; the names of football players, team names, we couldn't believe it. But we really need evidence; when the evidence comes, we were surprised, but we have to do our job. Football needs to stay clean. Our people are very fanatic, they love it a lot. People lose themselves there. We need to respect the efforts of a hardworking community. Our Federation President also did his part. Unfortunately, match-fixing has occurred, and we have identified this. Indictments have started to be prepared. Trials will begin. It shouldn't have happened, but unfortunately, it has."
"CITIZENS WANT ACTION"
"Time has passed very quickly. I knew the problems of the judiciary. I want to move from the training phase to the action phase as soon as possible. The most fundamental criticism of the judiciary is that trials are prolonged. Citizens now want action. I want the problems of our citizens who are victims of delayed cases to be addressed immediately."
"WE HAVE REACHED THE STAGE OF HARVESTING THE FRUITS OF THE PROCESS"
"We attach great importance to a Turkey without terrorism. People want to get rid of the terrorism problem. Turkey is now a safe area. Right now, this process is going very well; we have reached the stage of harvesting its fruits. From now on, the Parliament will take legal steps. First, it needs to be determined that the organization has laid down its arms. There will be no regulation in the individual execution and anti-terror law. Additionally, there is no statement regarding the right to hope in the report."
"WE INCREASED THE PENALTIES FOR ORGANIZATION MEMBERS USING CHILDREN"
"Why does a child get involved in crime, why does he tend towards violence? I have instructed our friends regarding examples from around the world. We need to prevent these before children get involved in crime. Criminal organizations use children. We have increased the penalties for organization members who use children. We need to make an execution regulation; we will increase the penalties."