Turkish authorities claim major progress in dismantling proxy bank accounts that channel funds to illegal betting and gaming sites. Mehmet Şimşek announced that MASAK restricted TL5 billion (about €100 million) in illicit proceeds in 2025. He warned that account holders renting access under escrow or commission schemes may face money laundering and illegal betting charges.
Şimşek highlighted how organizers shifted to third-party bank, payment, e-money, as well as crypto accounts to mask flows. MASAK zeroed in on criminal links, disrupting payment firms, e-money setups, as well as wallets moving gambling cash. Organizers even established shell limited companies using powers of attorney from unsuspecting individuals to collect bets and avoid detection. Şimşek encouraged citizens to restrict unknown parties from using their company names for such schemes.
The crackdown hit infrastructure hard. MASAK suspended six payment and e-money companies and carried out court-ordered asset seizures. Working with the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, authorities also targeted a crypto provider and its linked platform used for laundering. Fueling probes into gambling rings, over 500 reports and intel notes went to police and courts.
New rules effective February 1 grant MASAK broader monitoring powers over high-risk sectors such as gambling, insurance, fintech, and e-commerce. Transactions are now directed only to state-approved operators including sports betting monopoly İddaa, lottery firm Milli Piyango, and horse-racing body Türkiye Jokey Kulübü. Restricting diversions to rogue platforms, banks and payment firms now monitor tighter.
Şimşek vowed relentless action; suspensions, license yanks, asset grabs against complicit institutions. Banks warned customers in early 2026 that supporting illegal gambling activities violates the Penal Code. The policy is part of the financial integrity strategy under the action plan of the ruling Justice and Development Party (Turkey) government. Yilmaz Tunç, Justice Minister, backed harsher jail terms and fines for facilitators.
