The Düzce-led operation comes amid a broader Turkish enforcement push targeting illegal betting networks, payment routes and online promotion channels.
 

Key Points

Legal proceedings have started against 55 suspects after raids across 14 provinces 

Authorities said the alleged network handled TL24bn in transaction volume 

The case follows recent AI-supported operations and planned fines for millions of illegal betting users
 

Turkish authorities have opened legal proceedings against 55 suspects following simultaneous raids across 14 provinces targeting an alleged illegal gambling network.

The operation was coordinated by the Düzce Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and carried out by the Düzce Provincial Gendarmerie Command.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said the investigation identified transaction volume of TL24bn ($526m), placing the case among a series of high-value illegal betting probes now being pursued across Turkey.

Gürlek said: “We will continue to crack down on these criminal organisations that target our youth and our future and harm our country's economy.”

The operation forms part of a wider enforcement phase in Turkey, where authorities have increased action against illegal betting platforms, payment intermediaries and promotional networks.

Turkey permits state-regulated betting through authorised channels, while unlicensed online betting and gambling services remain prohibited. 

Recent cases have also shown a growing focus on the financial infrastructure behind illegal gambling.

Separate reporting this week linked another investigation to alleged transactions worth TL8.7bn, with prosecutors examining companies and payment routes said to have supported offshore betting websites.

The latest Düzce-led case also follows wider national scrutiny of betting activity across sport and online platforms.

Turkish football has been affected by a separate betting scandal, after the Turkish Football Federation said hundreds of referees had betting accounts and more than 100 players were later sanctioned.

Earlier this month, Turkey launched an AI-supported operation against illegal gambling, detaining 108 suspects and blocking access to 5,151 URLs, including 5,000 illegal gambling websites, 111 promotional or redirect sites and 40 payment intermediaries.

 

 

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