Turkish authorities have remanded 121 people in custody following a police operation targeting alleged illegal online betting networks across 39 provinces. The investigation focused on betting activity coordinated through Telegram and other messaging services, according to figures released by the Interior Ministry.
In the Istanbul-centred case, arrest warrants were issued for 194 people. Police detained 169 suspects in two waves; 121 were remanded pending trial, 45 were released under judicial supervision and three were released without restrictions. Authorities said an AI-supported police project called AVCI helped analyse suspects’ identities and roles. Investigators reportedly flagged around 306,000 messages across 47 Telegram groups.
Why it matters
The operation is part of Turkey’s wider enforcement campaign against illegal gambling. For operators and affiliates, it underlines the legal and payment risks of promoting unlicensed services in the country. The figures concern allegations and pre-trial custody, not convictions. The report cites the Turkish Interior Ministry and Anadolu Agency.