Türkiye detains 140 in nationwide cyber fraud, illegal betting crackdown

Turkish authorities have detained 140 suspects in coordinated operations across 16 provinces targeting alleged illegal betting networks and qualified fraud schemes, the Interior Ministry said on May 18.

The nationwide raids were carried out by the Gendarmerie General Command in cooperation with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and public prosecutors, under the coordination of the Gendarmerie Cyber Crime Department, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Officials said investigations found that criminal groups were running illegal betting operations, transferring proceeds of crime, and defrauding citizens through fake advertisements on social media platforms.

Of the 140 suspects detained, 94 were subsequently arrested and remanded in custody, while judicial proceedings for the remaining individuals are ongoing.

Authorities also seized assets worth an estimated 7.06 billion Turkish lira (about $155.32 million). The confiscated assets include 57 properties, nine vehicles, and 235 bank accounts, all placed under precautionary measures.

The Interior Ministry said the crackdown reflects an ongoing effort to dismantle criminal financial networks.

“We do not allow criminal networks that generate illicit profits through illegal betting and defraud our citizens; our fight against crime and criminals continues uninterrupted,” the ministry said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev