Türkiye detains 59 in illegal betting probe across 20 provinces

Authorities in Türkiye have detained 59 people in connection with an illegal betting investigation spanning 20 provinces, in which suspects are accused of operating a large-scale gambling network with transactions totalling 11.4 billion lira ($250.8 million), officials said.

The operation, centred in Antalya, led to the detention of 121 suspects as part of a probe launched by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into alleged violations of the Law on Betting and Games of Chance in Football and Other Sports Competitions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Investigators said the suspects had established 10 illegal betting offices in Antalya and carried out extensive financial activity through bank accounts and cryptocurrency assets.

Of those detained, 17 were already in prison, six were serving in the military, and three were abroad.

Following judicial proceedings, 59 suspects were arrested by a criminal court, while 51 were released under judicial supervision, and 28 were freed outright.

The investigation, which began with arrest warrants for 183 suspects on 18 May 2026, was later expanded to 189 individuals after additional names were added to the case.

Authorities said the alleged network's financial footprint, including bank transfers and crypto transactions, reached 11.4 billion lira ($250.8 million).