Coordinated illegal gambling operation across Ankara, Istanbul, and Edirne: 150 detained, 21.3 billion TL in suspicious transactions

Three simultaneous coordinated operations by the Chief Prosecutors' Offices of Ankara, Istanbul, and Edirne resulted in a total of 150 suspects detained; efforts are ongoing to apprehend 41 suspects.

The illegal gambling investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Prosecutor's Office covered 18 provinces centered in Ankara. In the operation targeting 79 suspects and 23 companies, 55 suspects were detained and 24 remain wanted. The investigation examined structures providing software and call center services, as well as the transfer of proceeds from crime through companies and cryptocurrencies. According to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) report, suspicious transaction volume was determined to be 21 billion 319 million TL. Receivership was appointed for 23 companies.

The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office investigation into next-generation criminal organizations covered 30 provinces centered in Istanbul. In the operation targeting a network determined to direct individuals toward criminal acts through social media and messaging groups, 100 individuals were targeted; 87 individuals were detained, including 34 minors in legal proceedings, and 13 remain wanted.

The Edirne Chief Prosecutor's Office investigation covered 12 suspects across 5 provinces centered in Edirne. Among the suspects in whose bank accounts a total of 1 billion TL transaction volume was detected in the past month, 8 were detained and 4 remain wanted.

The development was reported by Sabah Newspaper.