Illegal betting ring dismantled in 30 provinces

In an operation centered in Adana and spanning 30 provinces, a criminal network accused of facilitating illegal betting and generating illicit profits—with a transaction volume of 450 million dollars identified in their accounts—has been dismantled. Out of 173 suspects, including ringleaders H.S. and K.A.U., 83 have been arrested, while 90 were released under judicial control.

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Illegal betting ring dismantled in 30 provinces

Provincial Police Department Cyber Crimes Branch teams uncovered a network facilitating illegal betting online following a tip-off. During technical and physical surveillance conducted as part of the Sibergöz-46 operation, it was determined that the suspects were offering high-odds betting through websites established in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Montenegro. It was determined that ringleaders H.S. managed the TRNC operations and K.A.U. managed the Montenegro operations, while they coordinated the betting websites from offices set up in 6 provinces in Turkey. The suspects' bank accounts were found to have a transaction volume of 450 million dollars, and it was determined that they converted the proceeds into gold and cryptocurrency to evade tracking. Following the prosecutor's issuance of arrest warrants for the suspects, teams launched an operation on June 24 targeting 300 individuals across 30 provinces, centered in Adana.

ASSETS WORTH 553 MILLION LIRA SEIZED

Police conducted simultaneous raids on the identified addresses and detained 244 people, including ringleaders H.S. and K.A.U. Searches of the suspects' addresses resulted in the seizure of 2 unlicensed pump-action shotguns, a quantity of narcotics, a large amount of foreign currency and Turkish Lira, and numerous digital materials. Additionally, precautionary measures were applied to 2 companies, 87 luxury vehicles, 20 residences, 5 plots of land, and workplaces valued at 553 million lira, which were assessed to have been obtained through criminal activity. On the other hand, it was stated that the suspects had established 2 shell companies operating in the informatics, packaging, and cargo sectors to launder the money.

Of the suspects whose procedures at the police station were completed, 71 were released upon the prosecutor's instruction after giving their statements. 173 suspects, including H.S. and K.A.U., were referred to the courthouse.