Türkiye detains 26 in crackdown on illegal gambling promotion

Turkish authorities have detained 26 people in a coordinated operation across eight provinces targeting suspected promotion of illegal online gambling, state media reported.

According to TRT Haber, the operation was conducted by Istanbul’s cybercrime unit under the coordination of the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Investigators said the suspects had sent mass advertising messages to individuals, encouraging them to participate in illegal gambling activities. The campaign was allegedly carried out using dedicated messaging platforms registered through telecommunications companies, as well as phone numbers—primarily beginning with the “0850” prefix.

Police identified the suspects and their locations following technical and operational surveillance.

Simultaneous raids were carried out in Istanbul, Ankara, Balıkesir, Izmir, Kırıkkale, Muğla, Konya and Bursa, resulting in the detention of 26 individuals. The suspects were taken into custody for further investigative procedures.

By Tamilla Hasanova