asia/SPORTS NEWS

Turkey freezes bank accounts linked to illegal World Cup betting

Before the World Cup final, Turkey blocked thousands of illegal betting accounts. The country pinpointed almost two dozen financial institutions that played a role in enabling gambling.

Written by Casino House Group Editorial Team

Published on July 13, 2026

Summary

Before the World Cup final, Turkey blocked thousands of illegal betting accounts.
The country pinpointed almost two dozen financial institutions that played a role in enabling gambling.
A total of 23 suspects are expected to be arrested.

Turkey blocked thousands of bank accounts used for illegal gambling during the FIFA World Cup final. This decisive action came just before the final match between Spain and Argentina on Sunday.

Bank accounts blocked, suspects to be arrested

According to local media, authorities in Turkey have blocked over 6,000 bank accounts intended for illegal betting. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that an investigation, in coordination with Turkey’s Ministry of Interior, identified 6,314 bank accounts used for this purpose. Before the World Cup final on Sunday, the Ministry urged banks to block these accounts. Moreover, Minister Gurlek confirmed that 19 financial institutions suspected of facilitating illegal betting were identified. Local authorities also targeted 23 suspects allegedly involved in illegal gambling, ordering their arrest. Minister Gurlek expressed gratitude to the Istanbul Provincial Police Department, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, and related agencies for their efforts in blocking accounts linked to illegal betting. He emphasized their commitment to safeguarding the youth and the future of the nation, writing in Haberler, “We will never allow the illegal betting and virtual gambling order that targets the labor of our youth, the peace of our families, and the future of our nation.” This recent action underscores Turkey’s resolve to fight illegal gambling. The operation was strategically timed ahead of the World Cup final, a major event that typically sees a surge in betting. In the final, Spain triumphed over Argentina with a score of 1-0 in a gripping contest.