Turkish authorities froze 6,314 bank accounts linked to illegal betting at the moment the FIFA World Cup final kicked off. The operation was coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Bureau for Investigation of Illegal Betting and Sports Crimes together with cybercrime police.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said the accounts had been identified in advance, with freezing orders sent to banks simultaneously as the final began. Alongside the accounts, authorities identified 19 offshore financial structures allegedly tied to illegal bookmakers. Charges were filed against 23 suspects.
The operation was carried out under a national action plan against illegal betting and online gambling approved by presidential decree in November 2025. The Bureau for Investigation of Illegal Betting was established in June 2026 specifically to tighten control over the betting market and financial crime in sport.
Judicial sources said authorities had stepped up surveillance ahead of the final, anticipating peak illegal betting volume on the match. Technical monitoring and field investigations were used to trace financial networks. The stated aim was to prevent financial losses and protect public order.
Turkey continues to tighten betting regulation. Mass account freezes during major sporting events are becoming part of the strategy against offshore operators.
