Illegal betting scandal rocks Türkiye, celebrities including ex-Besiktas star involved

In an extensive illegal betting operation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for 23 individuals, including social media influencers, former Besiktas footballer Batuhan Karadeniz, renowned presenter Mehmet Ali Erbil and singer Serdar Ortac.

Suspects are accused of advertising, promoting and encouraging illegal betting. Of the 16 individuals detained, 12 were remanded in custody following their court appearances, while two suspects under the age of 18 were released under judicial supervision.

Five suspects, including former Besiktas footballer Batuhan Karadeniz, have been identified as fugitives abroad. Operations are ongoing to locate two suspects. Erbil and Ortac were placed under house arrest.

‘I made an agreement, but I wasn’t sure if it was illegal’

Following the prosecutor’s appeal, access to social media accounts belonging to eight detained influencers was blocked, including the Instagram account of influencer Ibrahim Yilmaz, which has over 19 million followers.

Yilmaz was known for his videos, where he distributed money to his followers on the street. He pleaded guilty, claiming he was unaware that the promoted websites were linked to illegal betting.

‘If I’ve set a bad example, may God punish me’

Denying the accusations, Ortac claimed he was deceived, stating that illegal bookmakers made it appear as though he was endorsing the betting site.

Ortaç condemned betting, citing his own past gambling history, which led to the erosion of his wealth. Regretting the video, he explained its background as follows:

This gambling curse keeps causing trouble in my life. I don’t know what kind of addiction this is, I apologize to everyone. If I’ve set a bad example, may God punish me. It took my home, my money, my marriage, my health, and now it’s dragged me to court. I don’t know how else to condemn gambling or explain its dangers to people.

It all happened without much thought. They invited me to a hotel inauguration in Malta, then to a restaurant opening. While there, they tricked me and filmed the game on my phone. They got me into their game. Everyone’s become a gambler, there are at least 50 million gamblers out there. If you don’t quit, this will happen to you too. Just leave it behind. Mehmet Ali Erbil was in Malta too. Everything happened without him knowing either

Serdar Ortac

‘They dragged us into trouble’

Erbil also pleaded not guilty, insisting that he believed the videos were simply taken as a “memory.” He claimed he was unaware that the individuals in the video were wearing T-shirts promoting illegal betting sites. Echoing Ortac’s statements, Erbil condemned all forms of gambling, particularly illegal online betting, and asserted that illegal bookmakers had tried to involve them in trouble.

In his testimony, Erbil stated that he had no agreement and did not earn any money, emphasizing that he rejected an offer of €20,000-€25,000 ($21,213-$26,516) to promote the organization.

Serdar and I were invited to a hotel inauguration in Malta. They had set up a studio in the style of a stand-up show. We were invited to attend and film there. The owner tried to get me to wear a T-shirt, and I later found out that it contained a betting advertisement. I am opposed to this, and as guests, this led to a disagreement with the hosts who invited us.

Mehmet Ali Erbil

Erbil and Ortac are facing charges related to videos that went viral on social media in late August, allegedly promoting illegal betting websites. In one of the videos, Ortac is seen sitting next to an individual wearing a T-shirt with a betting website logo, asking questions about the game and advising him on placing bets.

In another video, Erbil is seen watching a football match with the same individual and encourages him to place a bet. Both Erbil and Ortaç appear in a longer video alongside another individual, discussing gambling while playing a betting game.

Football wunderkind flees to Georgia, insults critics in response

Batuhan Karadeniz, a former football player once hailed as a “wunderkind” in his youth, began his career as a commentator on social media after retiring in 2023. Recently, Karadeniz faced backlash for his involvement in promoting illegal betting through live broadcasts. In response to criticism from his followers, he insulted them while attempting to justify his actions related to illegal betting.

In October, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) launched an investigation into Batuhan Karadeniz’s financial accounts following complaints and froze all his assets. He then fled to Georgia with his TikTok influencer girlfriend, Irem Caglar.

‘If evidence is found, necessary action will be taken’

The first official comment on the operation from Ankara came from Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc. Emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing, Tunc stated, “Individuals will have the opportunity to defend themselves. If strong evidence of a crime is found, the necessary actions will be taken accordingly.”

As Tunc highlighted the investigation’s continuation, additional operations and detentions are anticipated, potentially broadening the probe into social media activities and individuals connected to illegal betting networks. Authorities suggest that the ongoing investigation may reveal further connections, leading to a wider crackdown on organized online criminal activities across various digital platforms.