To combat the promotion of unlawful gambling, the country imprisoned 17 people, including celebrities such as musicians and social media influencers.
Gambling is strictly regulated in Turkey. The government prohibited land-based casinos about three decades ago, and internet gaming and betting alternatives are restricted.
Despite strict gaming legislation, the country continues to face challenges from unlawful gambling. In a recent operation to combat the promotion of illicit gambling, Turkey apprehended more than a dozen people, including well-known influencers and celebrities.
Several suspects have yet to be detained.
According to DHA, Turkish police have detained 17 people so far. Law enforcement measures follow an order from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which authorized the arrest of 21 people accused of promoting illicit gambling.
Following the arrest of 17 persons, four remain at large, with authorities admitting that some of those who have yet to be apprehended are not now in Turkey. The arrests come after reports of celebrities using social media to encourage illicit gaming.
According to a recent investigation, famous social media celebrities such as Sefa Caner Saricam, Ibrahim Yilmaz, and Muzaffer Zorbey Erkoclar, as well as the popular actor Mehmet Ali Erbil, are accused of encouraging illicit gambling operations.
Serdar Ortac, a famous musician, and Batuhan Karadeniz, a former soccer player, are among those being probed for promoting illicit betting.
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The crackdown on illegal gambling in Turkey continues.
It is presently unclear if the inmates are being charged. Under the Turkish Penal Code, organizing or promoting gambling is considered an illegal conduct punishable by jail and a fine. Using the internet to encourage unlawful gambling may be deemed an aggravating circumstance.
The current law enforcement efforts in Turkey follow an MP’s warning last month about the expansion of illicit gambling in the country, stating that billions of money are fleeing the country.
This is what Halil Ozturk, a Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) MP, explained during a speech in the Turkish Parliament.
More recently, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced the implementation of new laws aimed at preventing clubs from encouraging illicit betting.
However, the Federation will take harsh measures against repeat violators, including point reductions for such clubs.
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