Operation against social media influencers for virtual gambling: 11 detained
In an Istanbul-based operation, 11 social media influencers were detained on allegations of encouraging gambling by opening virtual cases on Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok. As part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, no action could be taken against 5 individuals who are currently abroad.
12punto
Another operation has been carried out against social media influencers with large followings. Within the scope of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the General Directorate of Security's Cyber Crimes Combat Department identified through virtual patrol activities that certain high-profile social media influencers were generating illicit income and encouraging gambling by opening virtual cases during broadcasts on a site called Key Drop.
11 PEOPLE IN CUSTODY
According to the report by Ekol TV reporter Dilek Yaman Demir; it was alleged that influencers broadcasting on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok encouraged users to gamble by opening virtual cases. 11 people were detained in the Istanbul-based operation.
Apart from those detained, no action could be taken against 5 individuals as they are abroad, and 2 others were determined to be outside the city. One person is currently a fugitive. The detained suspects were referred to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS WERE DETAINED?
Taking action following these findings, police teams apprehended social media influencers Tolunay Ören, Eray Can Özkenar, Ferhat Can Dama, Kemal Can Parlak, Ömer Faruk Karataş, Mert Kancefer, Furkan Burak Bayrak, Duru Batır, Necati Akçay, and Ferit Karakaya, along with one suspect whose name has not been disclosed.
The 11 suspects taken into custody were referred to the Istanbul Courthouse following their processing at the police station. It was learned that 5 of the 8 suspects for whom arrest warrants were issued are abroad.