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Turkey's Crackdown on Illegal Betting Nets Over 670 Suspects Amid Crypto Links

Turkey's Crackdown on Illegal Betting Nets Over 670 Suspects Amid Crypto Links

First seen 20 May 2026, 05:23 UTC

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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster May 21, 2026 at 04:41 UTC
  • Over 670 suspects arrested in Turkey's latest illegal betting crackdown.
  • Raids revealed connections to cryptocurrency platforms for money laundering.
  • Authorities seized luxury assets worth millions linked to illegal activities.

Turkish authorities have arrested over 670 suspects in a series of operations targeting illegal betting networks, with recent raids in Antalya and Mersin netting an additional 233 suspects. The operations, part of a broader crackdown, revealed connections to cryptocurrency platforms used for money laundering. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek emphasized the threat these networks pose to economic security and children's futures. The raids involved extensive surveillance and coordination across 20 provinces, with significant transaction volumes exceeding TL 18 billion ($395 million) identified. Authorities seized luxury assets and suspended transactions linked to illegal betting. The enforcement actions are part of Turkey's 2025-2026 Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting and Virtual Gambling, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling organized crime.

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Updated 125d ago How this analysis works

Timeline

2026-05-11
First major raid in Eskişehir
Authorities arrested 135 suspects across 33 provinces in an operation targeting illegal betting networks.
News.Bitcoin
2026-05-12
AI-assisted operation in Istanbul
108 suspects were detained in a coordinated operation across 35 provinces as part of the ongoing crackdown.
News.Bitcoin
2026-05-14
Adana investigation arrests
161 of 200 suspects were detained, including pro-government commentator Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, for alleged money laundering activities.
News.Bitcoin
2026-05-15
Raids in Antalya and Mersin
Authorities arrested 233 more suspects, targeting networks linked to illegal betting and money laundering.
Next
2026-05-20
Total arrests exceed 670
Cumulative arrests from multiple operations surpass 670 as Turkish authorities intensify their crackdown on illegal gambling.
News.Bitcoin

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