A major illegal gambling network operating across Hatay and five other Turkish provinces has been dismantled, with authorities identifying a transaction volume of TL 2.2bn ($49m), according to a report by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).
Of the 22 individuals brought before the court, 20 were arrested, while two suspects were released. As part of the operation, two cars and one motorcycle, believed to have been acquired through criminal activity, were also seized.
In separate news this week, 38 suspects were arrested in raids linked to Malta-based payment provider Paymix as part of a major illegal gambling and money laundering investigation.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the network allegedly used cryptocurrency transactions, shell companies and layered transfer systems to process around $1bn in monthly transactions.
Last month, authorities detained 111 suspects in coordinated raids across 41 provinces during an investigation into illegal gambling and money laundering.
According to the MASAK, the network was linked to an estimated transaction volume of TL 35.86bn.
Recently appointed Justice Minister Akın Gürlek issued a circular during his first week in office (February 2026) to the Chief Public Prosecutors’ Offices across all 81 provinces, calling for stronger action against illegal betting and online gambling.
The circular stressed the need for unwavering determination in tackling illegal gambling activity, a position that has since been reflected in a series of operations carried out across Turkey.
Turkey’s response to illegal gambling is becoming increasingly aggressive, including discussions around potential prison sentences for players.
As per recent Turkish data, between 2006 and 2026, a total of 585,645 illegal websites were identified and 555,574 were blocked
