Turkish authorities have taken legal action against 15,710 suspects as part of a nationwide campaign targeting illegal betting networks and the financial schemes supporting their operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The results were announced by Turkey\u2019s Justice Minister Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek<\/strong>, who outlined the scale of investigations targeting activities that the government considers a threat to public safety, family welfare and the country\u2019s economic stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Between February and 4 November 2026, law enforcement authorities conducted 901 operations across all 81 provinces of Turkey. As a result, 5,949 suspects were remanded in custody, while judicial control measures were imposed on a further 3,570 individuals. The overall figure of 15,710 includes people subject to investigative and pre-trial measures and does not mean that all of them have been found guilty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n G\u00fcrlek Takes the Lead in the Fight Against Illegal Gambling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In February, Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek took over as Justice Minister, replacing Y\u0131lmaz Tun\u00e7<\/strong>. His appointment was personally approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan.<\/strong> Before taking office, G\u00fcrlek served as Istanbul\u2019s chief public prosecutor. In his new role, he continued to oversee the government\u2019s campaign against illegal betting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n G\u00fcrlek is responsible for implementing the Justice and Development Party\u2019s (AKP)<\/strong> Action Plan to Combat Illegal Gambling. Commenting on the initiative, the minister stated: \u201cIn the century of T\u00fcrkiye, we will resolutely continue reforms guided by the principle of a strong state and strong justice. T\u00fcrkiye will maintain its uncompromising approach to combating crime.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reflecting on the first nine months of the campaign, G\u00fcrlek noted that law enforcement efforts were focused not only on identifying illegal betting platforms but also on tracing the sources of funding behind criminal networks and monitoring the associated financial flows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIllegal gambling is not simply unlawful activity; it is a serious threat that undermines public order, harms families and facilitates the activities of criminal organisations,\u201d the minister emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The investigations were coordinated by the Department of Organised Crime, Narcotics and Economic Crimes. Prosecutors, the police, the gendarmerie and Turkey\u2019s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK)<\/strong> also took part in the operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MASAK\u2019s involvement allows Turkish authorities to combine financial intelligence with law enforcement efforts. In particular, investigators are tracing money flows and identifying connections between entities suspected of involvement in organising illegal betting activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the minister, financial investigations identified transactions worth TL2.63 trillion (approximately $52.42bn), $9.08bn and \u20ac3.49m (approximately $3.92m).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The figures were reported separately for each currency. They represent the volumes of financial transactions identified during the investigations, rather than the value of seized assets, criminal proceeds or financial losses incurred by the Turkish state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are resolutely continuing our fight against this threat not only through operational measures, but also by identifying all the connections of criminal organisations and uncovering their illicit gains,\u201d G\u00fcrlek said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the minister did not disclose details of the suspects\u2019 alleged involvement in illegal activities, specify the number of betting networks targeted by the investigations or clarify how many cases had progressed to trial and resulted in convictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, G\u00fcrlek\u2019s statement indicates the government\u2019s intention to target not only the operators of illegal betting networks but also the financial mechanisms supporting their activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The minister also pledged continued cooperation between judicial institutions, law enforcement agencies and financial investigators. These joint efforts are intended to help identify criminal networks and bring those involved to justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo criminal organisation will be able to conceal its activities, cover up the trail of its illicit gains or escape justice,\u201d G\u00fcrlek emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n