Eight individuals have been detained in Turkiye as part of a large-scale operation against illegal betting and financial crimes. The investigation has cast a spotlight on professional sports entities suspected of involvement in illicit financial activities.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, citing local media reports, the ongoing investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting that criminal proceeds were laundered through sports organizations. In this context, an official probe has been launched into the Diyarbekirspor football club and three associated companies.
The investigation revealed that Fevzi Ilhanli, the former president of Diyarbekirspor, and members of the club's management were allegedly the owners of an illegal betting website. Authorities have confirmed that the illicit revenues generated from these activities were circulated and integrated into the legal economy specifically through the club's financial channels. Furthermore, investigators found that illegal profits were transferred directly into club accounts via the bank accounts of the club's accountant and several other employees.
Illegal betting remains a significant challenge for sports integrity and financial regulation in the region. Turkish authorities have intensified their crackdown on such syndicates in recent years to prevent the manipulation of sporting events and to combat the shadow economy. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny on the financial transparency of sports clubs, which are often targeted by criminal networks for money laundering due to their high cash flow and complex sponsorship structures.
