Turkish celebrities Serdar Ortac and Mehmet Ali Erbil in custody after illegal betting probe

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into allegations of promoting illegal betting on social media by famous Turkish artists.

Authorities have identified 20 suspects, including several social media influencers and celebrities.

Türkiye is grappling with a disturbing trend with online gambling participation among individuals as young as 9 years old, according to data from the Turkish Green Crescent Society, Yesilay.

Serdar Ortac, Mehmet Ali Erbil in custody

The widespread promotion of illegal gambling platforms by internet influencers is believed to be driving the rise, particularly among younger demographics.

Law enforcement teams raided the suspects’ addresses, detaining 20 individuals, including prominent figures like Serdar Ortac and Mehmet Ali Erbil.

Police efforts to apprehend other suspects are ongoing.