Authorities in Turkey intensify action against online payment service providers aiding in the conduct of illicit gaming activities.
In a significant move against illegal gambling activities, the Turkish authorities have arrested 52 individuals, including Erkan Kork, the chair of BankPozitif and digital payments firm PayFix. The arrests were made as part of a wide-ranging operation aimed at eliminating businesses that undermine the integrity of Turkey's financial framework and expose citizens to harm.
Among those arrested, Erkan Kork is currently facing charges of illegal gambling-related money laundering and facilitating illicit transactions. He is accused of incorporating illicit gambling operations into PayFix, the digital payments firm he chairs.
The operation also targeted other entities. The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT) suspended the operational licenses of PayFix, Aypara, and Ininal. Authorities seized assets worth $190 million as part of the operation, including PayFix, Flash TV, and BankPozitif, which was acquired by PayFix a few years ago.
PayFix processed some 50 million betting-related transactions, handling approximately $110 million that was directed to crypto exchanges. The seized media company Flash TV, involved in the operation against illegal gambling, does not have publicly available information about its owner from the provided search results.
Turkey's war on illegal gambling is not just about financial implications. The arrestees were accused of facilitating illegal online gambling, which is forbidden in Turkey. This activity not only poses a financial risk but also exposes citizens to potential harm.
The operation against illegal gambling is part of a larger effort by the Turkish authorities. In 2024, they identified and banned 233,000 illegal gambling sites. Turkish pop singer Serdar Ortaç was sentenced to 10 months in prison and fined for promoting illegal gambling. Ortaç was accused of leveraging his popularity to promote Malta-based gaming operations that were not legal in Turkey.
However, not all cases ended with prison sentences. Ortaç's sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation. The specifics of the probation terms were not disclosed.
The crackdown on illegal gambling in Turkey serves as a reminder of the country's commitment to maintaining a secure and legal financial environment for its citizens. The operation not only dismantled illegal gambling operations but also sent a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated.
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