The authorities seized a significant amount of digital evidence, focusing on social media influencers who allegedly advertised or encouraged participation in illegal sweepstakes.
Key Points:
- Nationwide operation targets social media influencers promoting illegal online gambling, resulting in 27 arrests.
- The “CYBERAG-13” operation spanned 16 provinces following a four-month cybercrime investigation.
- Turkish authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal betting and protect individuals and society from its harms.
Turkish law enforcement has conducted a major nationwide operation, codenamed “CYBERAG-13,” targeting illegal online gambling activities and resulting in the arrest of 27 individuals, including several prominent social media influencers. This significant crackdown underscores Turkey’s commitment to combating illegal betting and virtual gambling, which poses a substantial threat to individuals and the broader social fabric.
This coordinated effort, spearheaded by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices and the General Directorate of Security’s Cybercrime Department, followed a meticulous four-month investigation focusing on social media users with large followings. These individuals were allegedly leveraging their online presence to promote illegal betting platforms, encouraging gambling activities, and potentially misleading their audiences. The investigation specifically targeted the promotion of illegal online casinos, sports betting websites operating without licenses, and other forms of unauthorized online gambling.
The “CYBERAG-13” operation extended across 16 provinces, encompassing major metropolitan areas such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Gaziantep, as well as numerous other regions throughout Turkey. This expansive reach demonstrates the scale of the problem and the determination of Turkish authorities to address it comprehensively.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has publicly emphasized the gravity of illegal betting, classifying it as a serious criminal offense with detrimental consequences for both individuals and society. He further stressed the ongoing nature of law enforcement efforts, highlighting the 24/7 “virtual patrols” operating within the “Cyber Homeland” to detect and prevent online criminal activity, including illegal online gambling.
This recent crackdown complements the Turkish Football Federation’s (TFF) recent implementation of stringent penalties for football clubs found promoting illegal betting. These penalties include substantial fines of up to TRY 10 million (approximately $283,000 USD) and the potential for point deductions, sending a clear message that the promotion of unauthorized gambling within the sports sector will not be tolerated. These actions are part of a larger, nationwide campaign against illegal gambling in Turkey.
