Nationwide Crackdown: 54 Suspects Arrested in Massive Operation Against Illegal Betting and Fraud
In a major operation carried out across 15 provinces, dubbed “SIBERGOZ-43,” the Turkish Gendarmerie has apprehended 54 suspects linked to illegal betting and sophisticated fraud schemes, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced.
Minister Yerlikaya emphasized the government’s commitment to combating cybercrime, stating, “We are hot on the trail of those conducting illegal betting and organized fraud through technology. They won’t get a chance to catch their breath. Our virtual patrols in Cyber Homeland are on duty 24/7!”
The operations were coordinated by the General Command of the Gendarmerie’s Cyber Crimes Department, which conducted simultaneous raids in Muğla, Manisa, and Antalya, extending to Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye, Kayseri, Eskişehir, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Tekirdağ, Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Samsun.
MUĞLA:
The Muğla Gendarmerie’s Cyber Crimes Unit targeted an organized crime group known as the “Şimşek Gang,” conducting operations across Muğla, Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye, Kayseri, Eskişehir, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, and Tekirdağ. The group was found to have perpetrated fraudulent activities by posting fake “Bungalow for Rent” ads on social media, thereby defrauding citizens. In total, 32 suspects were arrested.
MANISA AND ANTALYA:
In efforts spearheaded by the Cyber Crimes Units in Manisa and Antalya, operations focused on suspects involved in “Online Illegal Betting.” Conducted across Istanbul, Muğla, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Samsun, and Adana, the raids resulted in the arrest of 22 suspects. These individuals were accused of facilitating illegal betting through international betting sites, earning illicit profits.
Notably, an examination of the suspects’ accounts revealed transactions worth approximately 313 million TL.
In the aftermath of these operations, authorities seized:
2 unlicensed firearms,
147 rounds of ammunition,
Numerous computers, phones, SIM cards, and portable storage devices,
Bank and credit cards,
Significant amounts of foreign currency and Turkish Lira.
Minister Yerlikaya extended his gratitude to the Gendarmerie personnel, stating, “I applaud our heroic Gendarmerie for their unwavering efforts. May God protect you from harm. The nation’s prayers are with you.”
“Our eyes are on those organizing illegal betting and committing sophisticated fraud through technology.” tweeted Minister Ali Yerlikaya.