Cybercrime in Turkey: $127 Million seized. What happened?
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7 Jun 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes A large-scale police operation in Turkey has dismantled a sprawling criminal network involved in illegal betting, online fraud, and child pornography. The raids, carried out across 52 provinces, led to the seizure of $127 million in assets and the arrest of 145 individuals.
Nationwide crackdown on cybercrime networks
Turkey has struck a major blow against cybercrime. According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, coordinated raids took place in 52 provinces, resulting in the confiscation of assets worth $127 million (approximately €112 million). The operation was conducted by the Cybercrime Combat Department of the General Directorate of Security and targeted an extensive network engaged in illegal gambling, online scams, and other serious digital offenses.
423 detained, 145 formally arrested
Of the 423 individuals detained during the raids, 145 were formally arrested. An additional 128 suspects are currently under judicial supervision.
The charges paint a picture of a highly organized network. Offenses include operating illegal betting platforms, unauthorized access to IT systems, scams involving cryptocurrency and Forex investments, fraudulent online sales, and fake gift card campaigns.
Fraudsters collected bank accounts to use in illegal betting operations, acting both as technical providers and financial intermediaries. Illicit profits were also generated through unauthorized access to Turkish citizens’ mobile banking accounts—highlighting the network’s high degree of sophistication.
Seized digital equipment and firearms
During the searches, police seized a large volume of evidence: unlicensed firearms, hard drives, servers, mobile phones, bank cards, and other digital devices. Authorities believe this evidence will help trace the full scope of the network and uncover its financial infrastructure.
Strong political will to fight digital crime
In a public statement, Minister Yerlikaya praised the dedication of law enforcement:
“I congratulate our governors, public prosecutors who coordinated the operations, and our provincial police chiefs and heroic officers who carried them out.”
He reaffirmed that Turkey will continue its fight against crime with the help of “virtual patrols,” underlining the government’s commitment to adapting its security strategy to the evolving landscape of digital threats.