Turkey seizes 1,200 accounts in illegal betting crackdown before Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş derby

September 5, 2026 at 10:08 PM1 min

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Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced a major operation targeting illegal betting networks ahead of the Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş derby. Authorities seized 1,200 bank accounts belonging to 1,048 individuals and entities, and blocked access to approximately 98,000 websites. The operation was coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and carried out by the Gendarmerie's cybercrime unit.

Key Facts

Turkish authorities seized 1,200 bank accounts belonging to 1,048 individuals and entities in an operation against illegal betting.
Access to approximately 98,000 websites linked to illegal betting was blocked by court order.
The operation identified 345 illegal betting sites and 110 different payment methods.
Investigations were launched against suspects for violating Law No. 7258 and laundering proceeds of crime.

Operation Details

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the operation on social media, stating it was carried out under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The operation was coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and executed by the Gendarmerie's Cybercrime Department. Authorities identified 345 illegal betting sites, 110 payment methods, and 1,200 IBANs used for illegal betting and money laundering. Court orders were issued to block access to approximately 98,000 websites connected to illegal betting.

Asset Seizures and Investigations

1,200 bank accounts belonging to 1,048 real and legal persons were seized for use in illegal betting and laundering crime proceeds. Investigations were launched against the suspects for violating Law No. 7258 and laundering proceeds of crime. Minister Gürlek thanked the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Gendarmerie, and all public officials involved in the operation. Gürlek stated that the fight against illegal betting networks and crime proceeds will continue with determination.