Turkish authorities conducted 901 operations targeting illegal betting networks across all 81 provinces between February and 4 November 2026, according to new figures released by the Ministry of Justice. The nationwide crackdown resulted in legal proceedings against 15,710 suspects, with 5,949 remanded in custody as investigators intensified scrutiny of unauthorised gambling operations and associated financial transactions.
Authorities conducted 901 operations across all 81 provinces during the nine months.
Authorities initiated legal proceedings against 15,710 suspects, with 5,949 remanded in custody.
Another 3,570 suspects were placed under judicial supervision.
Financial investigations identified TRY2.63 trillion, $9.08 billion and €3.49 million in transaction volumes linked to suspected illegal betting activity.
The enforcement campaign involves prosecutors, police, gendarmerie and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the figures on 4 November, outlining the results of investigations coordinated by Türkiye’s Department of Organised, Narcotics and Economic Crimes.
According to the Ministry of Justice’s official announcement, prosecutors worked alongside police, gendarmerie, MASAK and other authorities to investigate suspected illegal betting organisations operating throughout the country.
Gürlek said: “We are pursuing criminal networks and tracing their financial resources.”
The statement, translated from Turkish, reflects the government’s emphasis on investigating both gambling operations and the financial structures supporting them.
The figures represent legal proceedings and pre-trial detention measures rather than criminal convictions. Investigations remain ongoing.
Beyond enforcement operations, authorities identified substantial financial activity associated with suspected illegal betting networks.
Investigators reported transaction volumes of TRY2.63 trillion, $9.08 billion and €3.49 million across accounts and financial arrangements under examination.
These amounts represent financial transactions identified during investigations, not confirmed criminal proceeds, seized assets or government revenue losses.
The findings follow earlier investigations into TRY17.75 billion in suspected illegal betting transactions, when authorities initiated proceedings against 177 suspects across eight provinces.
Financial monitoring has become increasingly important as illegal betting networks potentially rely on intermediary accounts and payment services to transfer funds.
This approach also reflects wider international concerns identified in the Financial Action Task Force’s gambling risk indicators, which highlight suspicious payment patterns, third-party transfers and potential money laundering vulnerabilities.
Türkiye’s latest figures illustrate the scale of enforcement against unauthorised gambling and the growing importance of financial investigations.
For international sportsbook operators, payment processors and technology suppliers, the developments reinforce the need to assess local licensing restrictions, payment exposure and anti-money laundering controls.
The broader enforcement environment also includes investigations into betting-related technology. As Ace Alliance previously reported, Türkiye’s live betting data fraud investigation examined alleged manipulation of match information and suspicious financial activity.
Although that case is separate, it illustrates the range of integrity and financial risks facing the betting sector.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that coordinated investigations will continue, with authorities focusing on identifying illegal betting networks, tracing financial connections and pursuing those suspected of facilitating unlawful gambling activity.
