Türkiye cracks down on cybercriminals in nationwide operation Over $2 million in assets seized / Video

Turkish authorities have carried out a large-scale operation targeting individuals wanted for cybercrimes across 17 provinces, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Writing on his X page, Yerlikaya said the raids aimed to combat offences including illegal gambling, aggravated fraud, online indecent behaviour, child harassment, and money laundering, Caliber.Az reports.

“Siber Suçlarla Mücadele kapsamında son 5 günde 179 şüpheliyi Yakaladık”

17 il merkezli “Yasa dışı bahis, nitelikli dolandırıcılık, çevrim içi çocuk müstehcenliği ve tacizi, suçtan kaynaklanan mal varlığı değerlerini aklama, nitelikli hırsızlık" suçlarına yönelik düzenlenen… pic.twitter.com/2AUIrvOOtF

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) July 22, 2025

A total of 46 suspects were detained during the operation. Of these, 20 have received suspended sentences, while investigations and legal proceedings against the remaining suspects continue.

In addition to arrests, law enforcement seized two vehicles, two ships, and two companies with an estimated value of approximately 107 million Turkish lira (around $2.65 million).

In recent years, Türkiye has faced a significant surge in cybercrime, driven by rapid digitalisation and widespread internet access. Criminal networks have exploited online platforms to conduct illegal gambling, fraud, child exploitation, and laundering of illicit funds.

In response, Turkish authorities have stepped up efforts with increasingly sophisticated operations spanning multiple provinces.

These crackdowns often involve close coordination between the Interior Ministry, police, and cybercrime units to dismantle organised groups and seize substantial assets such as vehicles, ships, and companies.

High-profile cases in 2024 revealed the extent of these networks, exposing complex schemes that victimised thousands. 

Türkiye’s government has also invested in legal reforms and strengthened partnerships with international agencies to improve cyber security and law enforcement capabilities. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev