09.07.2026 12:30
The trial of 55 defendants, including Erkan Kork, the owner of Pozitifbank, Payfix Payment Institution, and Flash News TV, continued for the illegal betting case. The court, announcing its interim decision, ruled for the release of Erkan Kork.
The trial of the illegal betting case, in which 55 defendants including Erkan Kork, the owner of Flash Haber TV under Pozitifbank, Payfix Payment Institution, and Göktuğ Multimedia Publishing Inc., are being tried, continued. In the previous hearing, detained defendants Hülya Turan, Arzu Tepe, and Hamza Kork were released. Some of the non-detained defendants and party lawyers were present in the courtroom for the hearing held at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. Detained defendant Erkan Kork attended the hearing via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBIS).
"OUR COMPANY OPERATED IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS"
Erkan Kork began his defense by stating that he had provided a detailed statement earlier and said he wanted to make explanations from different perspectives this time.
Kork said, "The company discussed here today has operated in compliance with regulations since its first day of operation, making significant contributions to human resources and technical infrastructure. My goal since the establishment of Payfix was to create a strong corporate structure. I always tried to hire the best people for my company and strengthen the technical infrastructure. We organized training every year for our managers and employees."
"WHAT MATTERED TO US WAS DOING THE RIGHT THING"
Also speaking about the company's payment systems, Kork said, "Payfix has been authorized by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey for the FAST payment system. Although we could have provided more opportunities to our customers, we limited FAST transactions and daily transaction limits to avoid taking risks. What mattered to us was not doing more transactions, but doing the right thing. Our management approach at Payfix was never 'if we can't do it, let's do it anyway.' I never complied with the obligations imposed on me by regulations at a minimum level; I always did more."
"I WANT A FAIR TRIAL"
Claiming that they had made numerous applications to the prosecutor's office regarding the fight against IBAN fraud, Kork said, "We not only protected Payfix, but also fought against the grievances experienced by the entire sector. We made many applications to the prosecutor's office regarding IBAN fraud issues. I never ran away from being tried, but I want a fair trial. I am confident I will be acquitted, but did I have to spend 16 months in prison for that? There are no other detained defendants or those under house arrest besides me. I agree with the statements of all defendants who made defenses in court. No defendant has made any statement against me regarding me, Payfix, or my other companies. Honorable judge, I request justice and a trial without detention from you," and requested his release.
THE COURT ORDERED RELEASE
After the defenses, the court announced its interim decision and ordered the release of detained defendant Erkan Kork.