site.btaOver 100 Detained in Turkish Police Operations Against Illegal Gambling

Turkish security forces have carried out a large-scale operation against illegal betting and gambling in Istanbul and more than 30 other provinces across the country. 

According to Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber, the operations were carried out by cybercrime units with the support of artificial intelligence and in coordination with local chief public prosecutors’ offices.

A total of 108 people suspected of involvement in illegal betting and gambling activities, which are banned in Turkey, were detained during the operations.

Authorities also blocked access to 5,151 URLs used for illegal betting and gambling activities.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said investigators uncovered fraud amounting to TRY 8.7 billion.

TRT Haber recalled recent comments by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , who said that "illegal betting and gambling must be eradicated".

The detained suspects remain under questioning at local police departments and will later be referred to judicial authorities.