Turkey’s authorities have launched a sweeping operation against illegal betting and virtual gambling, detaining 27 individuals across 16 provinces. Among those apprehended are social media influencers with massive online followings, highlighting the increasingly blurred lines between digital influence and criminal activity. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the operation, which comes after four months of intensive investigation coordinated by public prosecutors and the Cybercrime Department of the General Directorate of Security.
Influencers at the Heart of the Operation
The crackdown targeted individuals allegedly promoting illegal betting and virtual gambling platforms on social media. Arrest warrants were issued for eight suspects identified during an investigation conducted in Istanbul. Influencers such as Elanur Bulut, Salim Çato, Zeynep Buse Korkmaz, and Buse Şahin were detained in raids carried out by Istanbul Police Department teams.
The influence of these figures cannot be understated. For example, Zeynep Buse Korkmaz boasts 1.3 million followers on Instagram, while another suspect, Okan Serbes, has 1.2 million followers. Authorities claim that some influencers subtly incorporated betting platform logos into their content, using their reach to advertise these illegal operations without overt promotion.
Judicial Outcomes
Following the arrests, the court ordered Çato, Korkmaz, and Bulut to remain in custody. However, Şahin was released under judicial control. The case also revealed that three other suspects—Buse Plan, Okan Serbes, and Tuna Yurdakul—are currently outside Turkey’s borders, complicating the pursuit of justice.
Broader Context of the Crackdown
This operation is not an isolated effort. The Turkish government has intensified its focus on influencers involved in illegal activities such as money laundering, tax evasion, and betting promotion. Social media personalities often use covert strategies, such as embedding betting site logos in videos or photos, to market illegal platforms to their followers.
The latest wave of raids forms part of a larger campaign. On 19 December alone, operations targeting illegal betting activities resulted in the detention of 319 suspects across 54 cities, underscoring the scale of the issue.
Why Target Influencers?
The choice to target influencers reflects the growing role of digital personalities in shaping public behaviour. Social media has become a fertile ground for illegal operations, with influencers acting as intermediaries who lend credibility to otherwise questionable activities. With their vast reach, they are seen as critical players in the spread of illegal betting platforms.
Authorities have noted that some influencers are complicit, knowingly profiting from illegal advertising deals. For others, the allure of easy money may overshadow the legal risks. Either way, their involvement has added complexity to the enforcement landscape, as these figures can easily reach millions of users within seconds.
A Growing Pattern of Digital Policing
This isn’t the first time Turkey has made headlines for targeting online figures. In recent years, the government has scrutinised the digital economy more closely, focusing on influencers, cryptocurrency traders, and others operating in loosely regulated spaces. The government’s efforts reflect a broader global trend where authorities are catching up with the rapid pace of digital innovation.
While supporters of the crackdown argue it is necessary to uphold law and order, critics suggest it could signal broader attempts to control dissenting voices and tighten oversight over online activities.
What’s Next?
As investigations continue, the arrested influencers will face legal proceedings that could have lasting implications for Turkey’s online landscape. Meanwhile, international fugitives like Serbes and Yurdakul remain a challenge, raising questions about the effectiveness of cross-border enforcement.
These developments may also prompt changes in how influencers approach brand partnerships, with many likely to scrutinise their deals more closely to avoid falling foul of the law.
