Turkey police raid Istanbul‑based money‑laundering network, arrest 37

Turkish law‑enforcement agencies conducted simultaneous operations in nine provinces—including Istanbul, Ankara, Gaziantep, Hatay, İzmir, Kilis, Kırklareli, Kocaeli and Tokat—targeting an organized money‑laundering scheme linked to illegal betting and gambling. The raids were coordinated by the Istanbul Police Financial Crimes Branch in conjunction with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor and based on MASAK financial‑analysis reports and bank‑transaction monitoring.

Investigators determined that the implicated companies processed roughly 30 billion lira in transactions that were inconsistent with their declared commercial activities. As a result of the operations, 37 suspects were detained. Authorities also applied precautionary measures on assets considered proceeds of crime, seizing 19 residential properties, 9 parcels of land, 1 business premises, 31 motor vehicles and 32 companies.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further legal proceedings expected for the detained individuals.