Betting scandal vindicates Zorbay Küçük: Accounts opened using his identity information

While Turkish football has been shaken in recent weeks by a "betting investigation," new information has emerged regarding Süper Lig referee Zorbay Küçük, who had been the subject of allegations. 

In the investigation conducted by the prosecutor's office, the responses provided by betting companies showed that Küçük's identity information had been used without authorization.

Zorbay Küçük, one of the most discussed names among the 152 referees referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK), had denied the allegations of betting and had filed a criminal complaint regarding the matter. 

It has been determined that the identity information of Küçük, whose name was publicly disclosed by Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, was stolen.

The TFF's public disclosure of his name without conducting the necessary investigations highlights the federation's responsibility; the theft of his identity information points to a lack of state oversight; and the fact that the opening of fake accounts was permitted reveals security vulnerabilities within the betting companies.

RESPONSES FROM NESİNE AND MİSLİ TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

According to information reported by journalist Murat Ağırel, letters were sent to the legal betting companies Nesine and Misli as part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Both companies forwarded detailed information and transaction records regarding the accounts alleged to have been opened in Zorbay Küçük's name to the prosecutor's office.

IDENTITY INFORMATION MATCHES, OTHER DETAILS DIFFER

In the responses provided by the companies, it was stated that while the identity information in the accounts opened in Zorbay Küçük's name was correct, the bank accounts and phone numbers belonged to different individuals.

Furthermore, it was stated that bets were placed from these accounts only within the scope of "welcome bonus" campaigns, and no deposits or withdrawals were made.

It was also emphasized that despite identity verification being required on betting sites, the system allowed accounts to be opened with different mobile phone numbers and bank details.

PERSONAL DATA SECURITY BACK ON THE AGENDA

These developments have raised serious questions regarding the security of personal data. While it is stated that the number of people betting through legal or illegal channels in Turkey is around 38 million, there is no clear data on how many people have had accounts opened in their names through stolen identity information.