Türkiye launches nationwide crackdown on illegal betting, over 100 detained

Turkish authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal online betting and virtual gambling operations across the country, resulting in the detention of over 100 individuals.

The large-scale illegal betting operation was conducted simultaneously in 36 provinces and marks one of the most extensive cybercrime efforts in recent years, Caliber.Az reports.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the operation via his official account on social media platform X. He detailed that the operation was the result of a seven-month investigation.

36 il merkezli “Yasa Dışı Bahis” suçuna yönelik dün düzenlediğimiz operasyonumuzda; 104 şüpheliyi yakaladık❗️

Cumhuriyet Başsavcılıkları ile Emniyet Genel Müdürlüğü Siber Suçlarla Mücadele Daire Başkanlığı koordinesinde 7 aydır devam eden çalışmalar sonucu İl Emniyet… pic.twitter.com/M78hoqhKb6

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) June 13, 2025

"Operations were carried out in 36 provinces by cybercrime department units of provincial police directorates as a result of the work that was carried out for seven months under the coordination of the General Prosecution Office and the Cybercrime Department of the General Directorate of Security," Yerlikaya stated.

The primary targets of the operation were individuals suspected of promoting illegal betting and virtual gambling platforms through social media. Authorities identified suspects who were allegedly responsible for advertising these platforms, encouraging users to participate in unlawful betting, and operating high-profile anonymous accounts — some with over one million followers — used to amplify illegal content.

The Interior Ministry also released video footage of the raids, showcasing the coordinated efforts of cybercrime units and law enforcement teams across multiple jurisdictions.

Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that the government remains committed to combatting cyber-enabled crime, particularly activities that threaten public order and exploit vulnerable populations through online platforms. Further investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as digital evidence is analyzed.

By Vafa Guliyeva