27.02.2026 11:11
The Minister of Justice, Akın Gürlek, has initiated a new era in the fight against illegal betting and online gambling. An official letter was sent to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office of the 171st Heavy Penal Court on behalf of Minister Gürlek by the General Directorate of Criminal Affairs.
Minister Gürlek stated in a live broadcast on a television channel yesterday, "Our fight against illegal betting and online gambling will continue until the end," and announced that a special letter had been sent to 81 chief public prosecutors. The details of that letter have become clear.
MANDATORY MEETING EVERY 6 MONTHS
In the directive sent as part of the "Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting, Games of Chance, and Gambling in the Virtual Environment" dated October 31, 2025, from the Presidency;
- It aimed to increase the effectiveness in investigations related to illegal betting and gambling crimes,
- Identify and resolve issues in implementation,
- Strengthen coordination between law enforcement and judicial authorities.
In this context, it was instructed that an "Information and Coordination Meeting" be held at least every 6 months, with the participation of prosecutors specializing in cyber crimes, together with the Police and Gendarmerie units at each heavy penal center. The first meeting is requested to be held within a month.
MONEY TRAFFICKING, DIGITAL EVIDENCE, ASSET PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES ON THE TABLE
In the meetings, particularly;
- Examination of digital materials,
- Evidence collection processes,
- Seizure of assets and precautionary measures,
- Decisions on appeals and cassation,
- Critical topics such as inter-institutional information sharing will be addressed.
It was also made mandatory to report the results of the meetings and send them to the Ministry.
"WE WILL DRAIN THE SWAMP" MESSAGE
Sources from the Ministry of Justice indicate that a comprehensive fight has been initiated against illegal betting operations conducted through foreign-based betting sites, rented accounts, panel systems, and money laundering networks.
This coordination move, instructed by Minister Gürlek within the framework of the Presidency's Circular, is seen as a step not only towards shutting down sites but also towards targeting the source of criminal revenues.
In Ankara's corridors, this step has been interpreted as a "simultaneous and institutional mobilization across Turkey" against illegal betting.