Turkish police have launched a large-scale operation against illegal online gambling networks using an AI-supported system called “Avcı”, detaining 108 suspects.
The operation, led by Istanbul’s Cyber Crimes Unit, involved coordinated raids across 35 provinces with simultaneous searches carried out at multiple addresses.
During the raids, police seized a significant volume of digital material believed to have been used in the offences, which has been taken for forensic examination.
In addition, authorities blocked access to 5,151 URLs, including 5,000 illegal gambling websites, 111 promotional or redirect sites and 40 payment intermediaries linked to the networks.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said on social media that, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, strong coordination between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Interior remains central to the fight against criminal organisations.
Gürlek expressed his gratitude to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the Istanbul Provincial Police Department for their efforts in conducting the operation.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Turkey is planning fines for around 3.1 million players identified in illegal betting sweeps, with penalties ranging from TL 100,000 ($2,200) to TL 400,000.
Investigations have involved databases linked to illegal betting sites and the identification of millions of user records.
Among those identified are not only ordinary citizens but also well-known athletes from football, basketball and volleyball, as well as sports club officials.
Turkey’s response to illegal gambling is becoming increasingly aggressive, with discussions also taking place around potential prison sentences for players.
Turkish police in Bursa’s Yenişehir district this week also dismantled a criminal organisation accused of targeting farmers through illegal gambling, loan sharking and extortion
