Turkish Gendarmerie Arrests 32 Suspects in Major Illegal Betting and Money Laundering Operation
Major Crackdown on Illegal Betting and Money Laundering Network in Turkey
32 Suspects Apprehended, 30 Arrested in Multi- City Operation
Turkish Gendarmerie forces have conducted a significant operation against illegal betting and money laundering activities, resulting in the capture of 32 suspects across six provinces. The operation, which targeted a criminal organization involved in illegal online gambling, led to 30 suspects being jailed and 2 others placed under judicial control.
Substantial Financial Assets and Property Seized
As part of the investigation into money laundering crimes, authorities seized substantial assets belonging to the suspects. The seizures included:
- 5 vehicles
- 410 bank accounts
Financial investigations revealed suspicious account transactions totaling approximately 524.5 million Turkish Lira, highlighting the extensive scale of the illegal operation.
Multi
The coordinated operation was centered in Sinop and extended to five additional provinces including Istanbul, Bursa, Düzce, Balıkesir, and Çorum. The investigation was conducted under the coordination of the Boyabat Chief Public Prosecutor's Office alongside the Gendarmerie's Combatting Organized Crime and Cyber Crime Departments.
Illegal Betting and Fraud Scheme Uncovered
Authorities determined that the suspects operated an extensive illegal betting scheme through multiple criminal activities:
- Operating illegal betting through websites
- Facilitating illegal money transfers
- Generating unlawful profits through advertising on illegal betting sites
- Defrauding citizens by directing users to illegal betting platforms
Government Commitment to Combating Cyber Crime
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized the government's determination to continue fighting against illegal betting and cyber fraud, stating that such crimes threaten not only individuals but also the future of society. The minister commended the security forces involved in the successful operation and reaffirmed the commitment to citizen security.
Public prosecutors have launched formal investigations into all suspects involved in the organized crime network, with legal proceedings continuing under relevant Turkish laws concerning organized crime and illegal betting activities.