Turkish prosecutors seek decades-long sentences in record illegal gambling crackdown
2026-07-28
Source: iGaming Expert
Turkish prosecutors have indicted 57 suspects in a record illegal gambling case, seeking prison sentences of up to 39 years for offences involving a cross-border network that processed €4.5bn in betting transactions via crypto payments. The investigation targets Malta-based Paymix, led by Burak Başel, and coincides with a broader government crackdown on illicit gambling and payment infrastructure.
Turkish authorities have launched their largest-ever criminal action against illegal gambling, with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office filing an indictment against 57 suspects. The proposed prison terms range from six to 39 years for charges including operating a criminal organisation, money laundering, and facilitating illegal betting aimed at Turkish consumers.
The investigation, supported by Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), targets a cross-border network spanning Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Malta, Albania and Dubai. Prosecutors claim the operation processed around TRY210bn (€4.5bn) in betting transactions, with funds allegedly funnelled through payment firms before being converted into cryptocurrency.
At the heart of the case is Malta-based Fincrypto UAB, operating as Paymix, which is accused of providing payment processing and crypto infrastructure that allowed illegal betting platforms to move and conceal proceeds. According to the indictment, investigators identified 56 illegal betting sites, roughly 14 million registered accounts, databases containing 3 million Turkish identity numbers, and 8 million mobile phone numbers. The technical backbone included more than 500 physical and virtual servers, 800 VPN accounts, and 600 remote desktop devices.
The alleged ringleader is Burak Başel, founder of Basel Holding, who prosecutors say effectively controlled Paymix through ownership stakes and also held interests in betting software and payment services. Cryptocurrency was allegedly used systematically to obscure the origin of criminal funds before transferring them to overseas wallets.
The case is part of a broader enforcement push under Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, whose ministry has strengthened criminal penalties for illegal gambling, enhanced investigative powers, and expanded coordination between prosecutors, financial regulators, and cybercrime units. These reforms have placed greater responsibility on payment providers to detect and prevent illicit activity.
A separate but closely watched prosecution involves Ahmet Faruk Karslı, founder of Turkish neobank Papara. Authorities allege that Papara’s infrastructure processed approximately TRY12bn (over €250m) in illegal gambling transactions via roughly 280 “mule” bank accounts and crypto wallets. The case is being monitored closely by Turkey’s banking and fintech sectors as regulators tighten oversight of payment flows.
Since February, MASAK has taken on an expanded supervisory role over high-risk sectors including gambling, lending, and insurance. Financial institutions now face enhanced reporting requirements, stricter customer due diligence, and more rigorous scrutiny of suspicious payment patterns.
On the international front, Ankara is increasing pressure on jurisdictions linked to offshore gambling payments. MASAK has identified Malta, Cyprus, Armenia, North Macedonia, and Georgia as areas warranting closer attention, arguing that payment channels connected to these markets have been exploited by criminal networks. The government’s review is expected to assess correspondent banking relationships, payment institution oversight, and cryptocurrency transfers.
Senior AKP officials are expected to present President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with a year-end assessment by the end of 2026, detailing how state agencies have prioritised combating illegal gambling. The initiative aligns with Erdoğan’s emphasis on protecting Turkish families and youth, and is seen as a key mandate ahead of his bid for a fourth presidential term.