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3.6 Billion TRY Illegal Betting Operation in Istanbul
A thorough investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has uncovered a massive illegal betting system involving billions of Turkish lira in Turkey. According to a report published in Cumhuriyet, the operation, coordinated by the Gendarmerie, identified a staggering money flow totaling 3.665 billion TRY.
Details of the Operation
The operation, coordinated by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command Cyber Crimes Division, involved searches, seizures, and detentions, primarily targeting young individuals mostly in their twenties.
The Prosecutor’s Office issued detention warrants for 24 suspects, with 15 individuals apprehended during the operation. The remaining 9 suspects are still being sought.
It was reported that well-known platforms such as Paribu, Papara, Binance TR, and Nesine are under scrutiny as part of the investigation.
Money Laundering Through Cryptocurrency
Findings from the investigation suggest that illegal betting revenues were laundered through digital money transfers. Analyses supported by reports from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) revealed the financial links of suspects involved in illegal betting activities. Cybercrime teams meticulously tracked transactions occurring via certain platforms.
Staggering Figures
The Prosecutor’s Office released notable financial data, including:
In 2023 alone, approximately 1.2 billion TRY was transferred through 807 transactions on the website paribahis for illegal betting purposes.
More striking data emerged from financial analyses:
The total transaction volume of the first group consisting of 14 individuals was determined to be 2,485,470,625 TRY. The second group of 9 individuals had a transaction volume of 785,644,932 TRY. Additionally, a single individual operating independently was found to have a transaction volume of 394,104,980 TRY. The Prosecutor’s Office highlighted the sociological dimension of the operation in its statement, saying:
“The sheer size of the money transfers identified solely through this operation within illegal betting activities, the resulting tax losses, and the fact that the suspects involved are young people mostly in their twenties, emphasize the economic and sociological problem faced by our State. The fight against this issue will continue without interruption.”
Authorities emphasized that the involvement of so many young individuals in their twenties in such large-scale illegal activities is a significant social alarm.
Legal Process and Ongoing Fight
The operation is being carried out under Law No. 7258 on Betting and Games of Chance in Football and Other Sports Competitions. The investigation, initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Bureau, includes the examination of communication records (HTS), criminal records, and social and financial status under Article 135 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
According to officials, the fight against illegal betting and money laundering through cryptocurrencies will continue with determination. The operation is also seen as a deterrent message to similar activities in the sector.
Following the interrogation of detained suspects, the legal process will proceed. The Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the investigation may expand, with new detention warrants possibly being issued.
Paribu Issues Statement
In response to Paribu’s name being mentioned in connection with the illegal betting operation, Paribu released a statement on X, saying:
“The news reflected in the media on October 21, 2025, does not reflect the truth. Allegations of an operation targeting Paribu and its affiliates are baseless. We have contacted media organizations to correct manipulative and reputation-damaging news that was misinterpreted from official statements. Paribu continues its operations in compliance with the Capital Markets Law No. 6362 and secondary regulations, cooperating with public authorities. You can continue your transactions on Paribu with peace of mind. For any questions, Paribu Support is available 24/7.”
