Turkey blocks 6,314 bank accounts in pre-World Cup final illegal betting crackdown

Turkey's Justice Minister Akın Gürlek has announced a significant operation targeting illegal betting activities in the lead-up to the World Cup final. The crackdown resulted in the immediate blocking of 6,314 bank accounts used for illicit betting traffic and the initiation of proceedings to apprehend 23 suspects.

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A comprehensive study was conducted by our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Anti-Illegal Betting and Sports Crimes Investigation Bureau ahead of the World Cup Final Match.

In a statement on social media, Gürlek detailed the operation, emphasizing its scope and the government's commitment to fighting financial crimes. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office conducted a comprehensive study, leading to simultaneous instructions to banks to freeze the identified accounts as the final match was set to commence.

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In this scope, 6,314 bank accounts used in illegal betting traffic were identified, and simultaneous instructions were sent to banks to block these accounts as the final match began.

Beyond the financial measures, the investigation also uncovered 19 external financial houses suspected of operating in conjunction with illegal betting sites. This led to the launch of legal actions against 23 individuals involved. Gürlek expressed his appreciation for the diligent work of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Istanbul Provincial Police Department, and all public officials involved.

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Furthermore, 19 external financial houses, believed to be integrated with illegal betting sites, were identified, and legal proceedings were initiated for the apprehension of 23 suspects.

"We will never allow illegal betting and virtual gambling schemes that target the labor of our youth, the peace of our families, and the future of our nation to prevail," Gürlek stated, underscoring the government's resolve to protect citizens from the detrimental effects of these activities.

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We will never allow illegal betting and virtual gambling schemes that target the labor of our youth, the peace of our families, and the future of our nation to prevail.