Minister Gürlek announces crackdown on illegal betting network, access blocked to 98,000 sites

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced a broad operation aimed at disrupting money flows to illegal betting sites before the Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş match. The operation was coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of the fight against illegal betting and the laundering of criminal proceeds.

Cybercrime officers from the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command identified 345 illegal betting websites, 110 different payment methods and 1,200 IBAN numbers. Their investigation also found about 98,000 websites allegedly used in connection with illegal betting. A judicial decision ordered access to those sites blocked.

Authorities seized 1,200 bank accounts belonging to 1,048 individuals and legal entities. The accounts had allegedly been used for illegal betting activities and money laundering. Investigations began into suspected violations of Law No. 7258 and the laundering of assets derived from crime.

Gürlek thanked the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command and all public officials involved in the operation. He said authorities would not allow anyone to turn the excitement of sport into illegal profit, and pledged to continue the fight against illegal betting networks and criminal proceeds.

“

We will not allow illegal betting networks.