144 detained in $212M cybercrime, illegal betting bust across 9 provinces | #cybercrime | #infosec

In operations carried out across nine provinces targeting illegal betting, aggravated fraud, and unauthorized access to information systems, 144 suspects were detained.

Investigators discovered that the suspects had engaged in financial activity involving ₺8.3 billion ($212 million). Of those detained, 89 were formally arrested and 33 placed under judicial control.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the operations via his social media account, stating: “In nine provinces, our Gendarmerie conducted operations targeting the crimes of ‘Illegal Betting, Aggravated Fraud, and Unauthorized Access to Information Systems.’

As a result, 144 suspects with ₺8.3 billion ($212 million) in financial transactions through bank accounts were apprehended.

Out of these, 89 suspects have been arrested, and judicial control measures have been imposed on 33 others. Proceedings for the remaining individuals are ongoing.

The operations were coordinated by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Cyber Crimes Department of the Gendarmerie General Command. The cybercrime units of the Provincial Gendarmerie Commands conducted investigations in Istanbul, Mersin, Giresun, Hatay, Kastamonu, Bursa, Eskisehir, Adana, and Bilecik. Suspects are accused of:

• Facilitating illegal betting and unlawful money transfers via websites.
• Defrauding citizens by posting fake rental homes and vehicle listings on social media platforms.
• Selling fake lottery tickets online to promote illegal gambling.
• Using unauthorized query panels on the internet to obtain personal data.
• Posting fake low-interest loan advertisements on social media, stealing users’ information, and transferring funds from victims’ accounts to their own.

Prosecutors have launched investigations into the suspects for these offenses. A large quantity of documents and digital materials was also seized during the operations.