Turkey Detains Celebrities in Illegal Gambling Operation

There are strict laws when it comes to gambling in Turkey. The country banned land-based casinos nearly three decades ago, while online gambling and betting options are limited.

Despite the tough laws on gambling, illegal offering remains a challenge for the country. Now, in a recent operation against the promotion of illegal gambling, Turkey detained more than a dozen people, including recognizable influencers and celebrities.

Several Suspects Are Yet to Be Detained

So far, a total of 17 people have been arrested by Turkish police, a report from the news agency DHA reveals. The actions of law enforcement follow an order from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office which greenlighted the arrest of a total of 21 individuals, suspected of promoting illegal gambling.

After the arrest of 17 individuals, four remain at large with authorities acknowledging that some of the people who are yet to be arrested are currently not in Turkey. The arrests follow concerns of celebrities using social media to promote illegal gambling.

Per the recent report, recognizable social media influencers, including Sefa Caner Saricam, Ibrahim Yilmaz and Muzaffer Zorbey Erkoclar along with the popular actor, Mehmet Ali Erbil are suspected of promoting illegal gambling activities. Serdar Ortac, a famous singer, as well as Batuhan Karadeniz, a former soccer star, among others, are also being investigated for promotion of illegal betting.

Crackdown on Illegal Gambling in Turkey Continues

It is currently unclear whether the detainees are facing charges. Under the Turkish Penal Code, organizing or promoting gambling is recognized as an unlawful activity which can be penalized with imprisonment along with a fine. Using the internet to promote illegal gambling can be considered an aggravating circumstance.

The recent actions of law enforcement in Turkey come after last month, an MP warned about the rise of illegal gambling in the country, claiming that billions of dollars are leaving the country. This is what Halil Ozturk, MP of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), explained while speaking at the Turkish Parliament.

More recently, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced the release of new rules that seek to stop clubs from promoting illegal betting. In an effort to prevent the promotion of illegal gambling within professional soccer, the TFF confirmed that clubs that are found in violation of the new rules will receive fines. However, actions against repeat offenders will be tough with the Federation considering deductions of points for such clubs.