Simultaneous operation in 39 provinces: 168 detained in illegal betting network

The Directorate of Combating Cyber Crimes under the General Directorate of Police conducted simultaneous operations in 39 provinces against organized networks that built the technical infrastructure of illegal betting sites and managed money laundering; 168 suspects were taken into custody.

A key role in the investigation belongs to 21-year-old programmer Faruk Eren Yücal, who used the alias of Michael Carroll, the British lottery winner who squandered his fortune, on Telegram. Yücal established the technical infrastructure for high-volume platforms such as 'Vaycasino', 'Sheratonking', and 'Çarkbet'; his digital materials and communications were examined.

The artificial intelligence software AVCI, developed by Cyber Crimes units, proved decisive in dismantling the network. AVCI scanned 306 thousand crime-related messages in encrypted messaging applications and deciphered 47 different groups managing the financial and technical operations. Those who hid themselves behind legal banking operations diverted the network from abroad by presenting unauthorized persons at official companies as signatories.

Decrypted digital records revealed that network managers warned their members with messages saying 'There is an operation, be careful,' and threatened those wanting to leave the group with death.

Users who made negative comments about betting sites on social media or forums were tracked down address by address through their investment card information and illegal panel queries; it was determined that network members arranged meetings with these individuals and beat them.

In the money laundering mechanism, bank accounts of university students and needy citizens were targeted; transfers worth millions of lire were processed through accounts obtained for minimal commissions or without the owners' knowledge. The legal proceedings for 168 suspects are ongoing.