Turkey Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

Turkey persists in its extensive efforts to combat illegal gambling with another extensive operation called SİBERAĞ-13.

Law enforcement authorities conducted raids in 16 provinces, arresting 27 individuals, including social media influencers linked to promoting gambling products. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed this on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting the extensive and sophisticated nature of the operation that led to the arrests. This effort is the result of months of work by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices and the General Directorate of Security’s Cybercrime Department to combat widespread illegal gambling activities. According to authorities, the operation followed a four-month investigation, focusing on digital channels used to communicate and promote illegal gambling. Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that illegal gambling poses a societal threat and jeopardizes the future of those involved, prompting a strong response from the government and law enforcement. He assured that Turkish law enforcement will continue their relentless efforts to dismantle illegal gambling operations and bring those responsible to justice. Earlier in December, similar operations in 54 provinces led to the arrests of 319 individuals suspected or directly involved in running or supporting illegal gambling activities.