Istanbul 'Illegal Betting' Operation: 19 Arrest Warrants Issued, Including Club Executives

An Istanbul-based operation has targeted illegal betting activities, leading to arrest warrants for 19 suspects, including executives from professional football clubs. The crackdown is part of Turkey's ongoing commitment to ensuring fairness and integrity in sports.

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Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and in strong coordination with our Ministry of Interior, we are resolutely continuing our fight against illegal betting, violence in sports, match-fixing, and revenues obtained from crime.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the simultaneous operation, stating that findings from betting platform data between 2020 and 2026, combined with analyses from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), revealed significant betting patterns linked to club executives. These findings prompted the swift action.

The investigation, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, focuses on violations of Law No. 6222 on the Prevention of Violence and Irregularities in Sports, as well as allegations of match-fixing and illegal betting. The government emphasizes its determination to fight against illegal betting, sports violence, and the financing of crime through sports.

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We adopt as a fundamental principle that football should be associated with justice, labor, and sweat; and that the struggle on the field should not be overshadowed by any suspicion.

Authorities have apprehended 17 individuals, while two suspects are currently abroad. The operation aims to uphold the principle that football should be associated with fairness and hard work, free from any suspicion. The Ministry of Interior is working closely with other government bodies to ensure clean sports and protect the credibility of football in the country.

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Significant findings have been obtained regarding the betting activities of some club executives serving in professional leagues affiliated with the Turkish Football Federation; simultaneous operations have been carried out in Istanbul today against 19 suspects.