Türkiye takes down vast gambling, fraud network

Turkish authorities have launched legal proceedings against 49 suspects following a large-scale operation targeting an alleged illegal betting and fraud network across seven provinces.

The operation, centered in the southeastern province of Mardin, was carried out under the coordination of the Mardin Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and cybercrime investigation units, TRT Haber reports.

According to investigators, the suspects are accused of operating unlawful betting schemes and defrauding victims through fake advertisements. The network allegedly facilitated financial transactions exceeding 10.3 billion Turkish lira (approximately $320 million) through more than 1.4 million transactions.

Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said the crackdown was part of the government's ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling, fraud, and money laundering.

“The fight against illegal betting, fraud, and the laundering of criminal proceeds continues without compromise,” Gürlek said, noting that the operation was the result of close cooperation between prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and financial monitoring authorities.

Authorities said the evidence gathered during the investigation enabled simultaneous raids and detentions in seven provinces. The investigation remains ongoing.

By Vafa Guliyeva