Turkey Refers 37 Suspects to Court in Aydın Illegal Betting Investigation.
Turkish authorities have referred 37 suspects to court as part of an investigation into an alleged illegal betting network operating from Aydın. The operation involved searches across 14 provinces, while restrictions were imposed on 467 bank accounts linked to the investigation.
The Aydın Provincial Gendarmerie Command led the operation. Officers detained the suspects during the investigation. Three other individuals remain at large.
The Aydın Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is coordinating the investigation. Its cybercrime unit is working alongside the provincial gendarmerie.
The 37 suspects appeared before the court after gendarmerie officers completed their procedures. However, the authorities have not convicted them of any offences.
Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) identified transactions worth TL3.484 billion. These transactions involved accounts linked to the 40 suspects.
Authorities Search 14 Provinces and Restrict Hundreds of Accounts
On 3 November, authorities launched a coordinated operation across 14 provinces. Officers conducted simultaneous searches in Aydın and 13 other provinces.
Investigators also restricted 467 bank accounts and four cryptocurrency accounts. In addition, authorities placed restrictions on four vehicles linked to the suspected activities.
During the searches, officers reportedly recovered several electronic devices. These included mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, USB storage devices and hard drives.
Authorities are examining the seized devices and financial records. Investigators hope to gather further evidence about the suspected illegal betting network.
Illegal Betting Remains a Major Concern for Turkish Authorities
The latest investigation comes as Turkish authorities intensify efforts against illegal betting. They are also targeting manipulation within the country’s gambling industry.
Read Also: Turkey Launches Major Crackdown on Football Betting Scandal, Detains 20 Key Figures
Last month, Istanbul prosecutors advanced a case involving eight suspects. The individuals allegedly manipulated live betting systems. Their actions reportedly caused TL12 million ($241,144) in losses for licensed bookmakers.
The investigation focused on OB, a data analyst employed by Spordata. The company provides sports data and operational infrastructure to licensed betting operators in Turkey.
Earlier this year, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi highlighted the role of digital currencies. He linked their growth to the expansion of illegal gambling across Turkey.
Çiftçi described illegal gambling as a “scourge that corrupts society”. He warned that the problem had grown beyond ordinary public order concerns.
The minister also called illegal betting a direct national security issue. He stressed the need for authorities to identify, analyse and tackle the threat.
The latest arrests demonstrate Turkey’s continued efforts to combat illegal betting networks. Authorities are also targeting the financial activities associated with these operations.
