Türkiye froze 6,314 bank accounts linked to suspected illegal betting during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, timing the restrictions to coincide with the start of the match as part of a coordinated financial crime operation.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office led the action through its Illegal Betting and Sports Crimes Investigation Bureau, working with cybercrime officers from the Istanbul Provincial Police Department. Investigators identified the accounts before the final and sent simultaneous instructions to 32 banks when the game began.

Authorities also opened proceedings against 23 suspects connected to the alleged payment network. Police detained 16 people during raids, while efforts to locate the remaining seven continued.

Accounts Blocked During Expected Betting Peak

Investigators delayed the account freezes until kickoff so they could monitor the network before interrupting transfers during what they expected to be the tournament’s busiest period for illegal betting.

Cybercrime teams used technical analysis and field intelligence to trace the accounts. They also applied an artificial intelligence-assisted system called AVCI. The accounts were registered under various names and allegedly received or transferred funds associated with unlicensed betting websites.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek described the operation’s timing in a statement shared through the NSosyal platform.

“Within the scope of the operation, 6,314 bank accounts used in illegal betting transactions were identified. As the final match began, simultaneous orders were sent to banks to immediately freeze these accounts,” Gürlek said, as reported by Daily Sabah.

Investigators identified 19 locations described as “external finance houses” that allegedly served as payment centres for illegal betting platforms. Authorities said the sites collected betting proceeds and managed bank cards. They also allegedly moved money among accounts connected to the websites.

Another official account described the 19 targets as offshore financial entities integrated with illegal betting operations. Judicial proceedings remain underway as investigators examine the suspected network.

Enforcement Builds on National Action Plan

The operation follows Türkiye’s Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting, Games of Chance and Gambling in the Digital Environment, introduced through a presidential circular in November 2025.

The Justice Ministry later issued a directive intended to strengthen coordination against illegal betting offences. In June 2026, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office created the specialized bureau that coordinated the World Cup final operation.

Gürlek said the action formed part of a wider campaign against unlicensed wagering and online gambling, including related criminal proceeds. The government is carrying out that work under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership and in cooperation with the Interior Ministry.

“We will never allow the illegal betting and online gambling system that targets the efforts of our young people, the peace of our families and the future of our nation,” Gürlek said.

Officials estimated that illegal betting connected with the 2022 World Cup reached $35 billion. Prosecutors projected that activity during the 2026 tournament could approach $50 billion, although they did not disclose the origin or methodology behind those estimates.

Authorities intensified surveillance before the final after assessing that the match would generate the highest volume of illegal wagers during the tournament. They said the operation aimed to limit public financial losses and protect public order.

Wider Football Betting Investigations Continue

Türkiye permits only state-authorized betting and lottery activity. Investigators say illegal operators increasingly depend on online platforms and payment intermediaries. They also use third-party bank accounts and cryptocurrency transfers to process customer funds.

The account-freezing operation comes amid a broader inquiry into betting and alleged corruption within Turkish football. The Turkish Football Federation began examining widespread betting allegations involving referees in October 2025. The investigation later expanded to players and a wider group of club and football officials.

In a separate operation on Friday, police detained 17 club officials, including executives connected with Istanbul clubs Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. Authorities alleged that the individuals placed bets while holding official positions.