Turkish authorities detained 66 suspects in a sweeping operation targeting illegal betting, fraud, and digital theft across multiple provinces, including Istanbul, Aydın, and Ankara, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Tuesday.

The crackdown uncovered illicit transactions worth 1 billion Turkish Lira (approximately $29 million USD), underscoring the growing threat of cybercrime in Türkiye.

In a statement on his official social media, Yerlikaya detailed the raids, led by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices and the Gendarmerie General Command’s Cybercrime Department. Of the 66 suspects, 27 were arrested, 31 were released under judicial control, and proceedings for the others are ongoing.

The suspects allegedly profited by promoting illegal betting sites on social media, posting fake vehicle sales ads, stealing mobile banking information, offering sham “investment consultancy” and “postpaid line assistance,” and impersonating law enforcement to defraud citizens with false “terrorism investigation” claims.

Yerlikaya reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment, stating, “Our virtual patrols in the Cyber Homeland, like those in the Physical Homeland, relentlessly pursue criminals.”

Authorities continue to dismantle cybercrime networks to protect citizens from digital fraud. Stay updated on Türkiye’s fight against cybercrime on our website. (ILKHA)