24 Arrested in Izmir’s Illegal Betting Operation
Operation against Illegal Betting and Personal Data Theft Results in Arrests
In a coordinated effort led by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Cyber Crimes Department of the Police Department conducted a study targeting illegal betting and the unlawful seizure of personal data. The operation was initiated after it was discovered that individuals were obtaining personal data through deceptive advertisements on fake websites, such as “extra work at home” and “municipal aid”, and using this information to make illegal bets without the knowledge or consent of the victims.
A total of 27 suspects were identified as being involved in the illegal activities, with 24 of them being apprehended in a simultaneous operation carried out in 11 provinces, with Izmir as the central location. It was revealed that the suspects had opened accounts in the names of approximately 9,600 individuals without their consent, through which they managed around 500 million lira in illegal betting transactions.
While significant digital evidence believed to be linked to the crimes was seized during the operation, efforts are still underway to locate and apprehend the remaining 3 suspects who were not found at their addresses. The authorities remain committed to combating such criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of the public.
