Istanbul data analyst arrested in 12 million lira betting fraud

A data analyst identified as O. B., employed by the firm Spordata, has been arrested for orchestrating a betting fraud that caused approximately 12 million lira in losses to legal betting companies.

According to investigations led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, O. B. manipulated live betting data for sports such as tennis and volleyball by delaying the broadcast by seven seconds. This delay allowed accomplices to place bets after the scores were already determined. Financial reports from MASAK revealed that O. B.'s bank accounts saw a total turnover of 192 million lira.

Following the initial arrest of O. B. in July, a subsequent police operation conducted by the Istanbul Police Department's Cyber Crimes Branch resulted in the detention of eight additional suspects. WhatsApp messages recovered during the investigation show the suspects discussing the scheme, including messages where O. B. told associates, “We will make great money,” and others expressing concern over the legality of the actions.