Türkiye’s Finance and Treasury Ministry has vowed to dismantle the illegal betting and gambling networks allegedly operated by organized crime syndicates, which have been siphoning profits abroad through unlawful activities.
In a decisive statement, Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek highlighted the extent of these operations, warning of the legal and financial risks they pose to the country. “The websites, which are broadcast into our country via servers based abroad and are believed to be run by organized crime syndicates, either transfer or launder the proceeds of their unlawful activities abroad,” Şimşek explained in the ministry’s written declaration.
The minister issued a stark warning to individuals participating in these illicit platforms, emphasizing that both bettors and those who allow their bank or electronic payment accounts to be used in such transactions are entangling themselves in serious criminal activity. “These individuals are inadvertently entangling themselves in criminal activity, thus not only suffering financial losses but also facing the grave risk of becoming subjects of criminal investigations,” Şimşek stated.
Major Financial Disruptions Uncovered
The country’s financial watchdog, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), has revealed staggering numbers linked to these illicit activities. Between 2022 and 2024, more than 280,000 bank accounts were exploited by criminal betting rings. Additionally, over 1 million payment and e-money accounts, which were used to process funds for illegal betting websites, were shut down as authorities sought to stem the flow of illicit proceeds.
In another significant operation, more than 3,000 digital point-of-sale (POS) devices that were being used to collect gambling profits unlawfully were disabled. One of the major discoveries was a shell company masquerading as a cryptocurrency service provider, which was found to be involved in converting illegal funds into crypto assets. The company has since been dissolved, and the case has been referred to judicial authorities for further action.
Crackdown on Financial Networks
Last year, two significant transactions believed to be tied to illegal gambling, amounting to 500 million Turkish Liras ($14.5 million) and $5.5 million, were preemptively blocked by financial authorities. The relevant information was forwarded to public prosecutors to aid in the ongoing investigation. This aggressive approach signals the Finance Ministry’s intent to root out the criminal elements embedded in the financial system.
Türkiye has become a prime target for organized crime syndicates seeking alternative revenue streams. Criminal organizations have increasingly favored illegal betting operations, finding it to be a more accessible and less risky means of generating income compared to traditional activities like drug trafficking or human smuggling. These groups often disguise their operations under the pretense of entrepreneurship, making it difficult to track the origin of their funds.
A Strong Message to Organized Crime
Minister Şimşek’s announcement underscores the Turkish government’s commitment to combating organized crime’s infiltration of the financial system. By targeting both the enablers and participants of these illicit operations, the ministry aims to cut off a significant source of revenue for criminal enterprises. The Finance Ministry has made it clear that anyone found facilitating or benefiting from these illegal activities will face severe legal consequences.
With MASAK’s ongoing efforts to monitor and uncover further illegal operations, the crackdown on betting syndicates in Türkiye is set to continue. By disrupting these financial networks, authorities hope to dismantle the organized crime rings fueling the country’s illegal gambling sector.
