Illegal Betting Operation in 34 Provinces in Türkiye: 90 Suspects Arrested

The Nevşehir Provincial Police Department's Cybercrime Branch Directorate carried out an operation as part of work targeting illegal betting and the laundering of illicit proceeds. The police procedures for the 119 suspects detained in the operations have been completed.

Of the suspects referred to court, 90 were arrested on charges of "illegal betting," "money laundering," and "forming an organization to commit crimes." 19 suspects were released under judicial control, and 10 suspects were released.

According to the investigation, the suspects collected bank account information in exchange for commissions, in connection with an entertainment venue in Avanos district and some suspects in Adana. While it was determined that criminal proceeds were laundered through crypto exchanges and jewelers, it was found that 6 jewelers played a role in this laundering process. Approximately 20 billion lira in transaction volume was identified in accounts opened in the names of companies and individuals.

The operations were carried out simultaneously on 3 November in 34 provinces, centered on Nevşehir. A total of 818 police officers and 40 special operations personnel took part. The searches resulted in the seizure of 6 unlicensed handguns, 2 unlicensed rifles, 1 sword, a large number of cartridges, bank cards belonging to different people, and digital materials. As part of the laundering case, 23 movable assets and 30 immovable properties belonging to 26 suspects, along with criminal proceeds worth approximately 1 billion lira, were seized.