Turkey conducts major illegal betting and money laundering crackdown

Authorities in Turkey have conducted extensive operations targeting illegal betting, fraud, bribery, and money laundering networks. In a major investigation spanning 21 provinces, Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı was released following his arrest on May 18. The investigation, which included reports from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), involved the arrest of 135 individuals, including alleged crime syndicate leader Selahattin Akın Uzun, bank managers, and law enforcement personnel.

In a related crackdown coordinated by the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, investigators used artificial intelligence to analyze digital and financial movements linked to illegal gambling. This AI-supported analysis uncovered a money volume of approximately 323 million TL. During simultaneous raids in Bursa, 27 of 30 identified suspects were detained.

As part of these legal actions, trustees were appointed to three electronic money payment institutions, three jewelers, and one exchange office. Authorities also seized 221 real estate properties, 120 vehicles, and three boats.