Paymix-4 Operation: New Crackdown on Illegal Betting and Money Laundering Network in Turkey

Turkish authorities have launched a new operation as part of an expanding investigation into illegal betting, digital payment systems and suspected money laundering activities. The latest phase, known as the Paymix-4 operation, was carried out simultaneously in seven provinces, with 61 suspects targeted.

According to the investigation, 657 bank and cryptocurrency accounts linked to the suspects were blocked. Authorities also seized a number of assets believed to be connected to criminal proceeds, including vehicles, residential properties and land.

Operation Carried Out in Seven Provinces

The operation was coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and carried out by cybercrime units of the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command. Raids were conducted in Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir, Manisa, Muğla, İzmir and Antalya.

As part of the operation, 61 suspects were identified. Authorities said 59 suspects were detained, while efforts are continuing to capture two others.

The investigation focuses on individuals and networks accused of providing digital, technical and financial infrastructure to illegal betting platforms. Prosecutors are also examining whether the suspects played a role in transferring or laundering proceeds obtained through illegal betting activities.

Hundreds of Bank and Crypto Accounts Blocked

One of the most significant parts of the Paymix-4 operation was the blocking of financial accounts connected to the suspects. Authorities froze 657 bank and cryptocurrency accounts as part of the investigation.

In addition, 96 assets were seized, including 12 vehicles, 30 residential properties and 54 plots of land or agricultural fields. These measures indicate that investigators are not only targeting the digital side of the alleged network, but also the financial assets believed to have been acquired through illegal proceeds.

Digital Traces, VPN Records and Crypto Payments Examined

The Paymix-4 operation was reportedly expanded following forensic reviews of digital materials seized in earlier phases of the investigation.

Investigators examined VPN and RDP access records, IP and mobile phone number matches, Telegram communications, browser histories, panel access logs and internal data related to finance, live support, VIP user management and fraud units.

Authorities also found evidence suggesting that some people involved in the organization received payments through cryptocurrency transfers in return for their roles within the illegal betting structure.

Akın Gürlek: Financial and Digital Infrastructure Is Being Targeted

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek said the operation targeted organized criminal groups attempting to use digital systems and financial channels for illegal betting and money laundering.

Gürlek emphasized that authorities are working to dismantle the financial and digital infrastructure of these networks. He also underlined that the investigation was supported by cyber intelligence methods, financial analysis and inter-agency coordination.

According to Gürlek, the aim is to identify the technical systems, digital access points and financial routes used by illegal betting networks, and to prevent criminal proceeds from being transferred into the legal economy.

Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın @RTErdogan’ın yasa dışı bahis ve suç gelirleriyle mücadele konusundaki tavizsiz duruşu ve kararlı iradesi doğrultusunda; Siber Vatanımızı kara para yuvasına çevirmeye çalışan organize suç şebekelerinin finansal ve dijital altyapılarını çökertmeye devam… pic.twitter.com/jiKITQSEf4

— Akın Gürlek (@abakingurlek) May 20, 2026

Paymix Investigation Has Expanded in Stages

Paymix-4 is the latest phase of a broader investigation that has been unfolding for months. In previous stages, authorities focused on companies and digital service providers allegedly linked to illegal betting platforms.

During the Paymix-3 phase, investigators found that servers connected to certain technology companies had allegedly provided hosting, technical infrastructure and data storage services to 49 illegal betting websites.

Authorities also reported the discovery of millions of user records, identity number matches, phone number records and thousands of bank accounts allegedly used for deposit and withdrawal transactions on illegal betting platforms.

Money Laundering Allegations Under Review

The investigation also covers allegations that illegal betting revenues were moved through different financial channels in an attempt to disguise their origin.

According to previous findings in the Paymix case, some proceeds were allegedly routed through cryptocurrency transactions, fake commercial activities, international money transfers and companies that appeared to operate as legitimate e-commerce businesses.

Investigators believe that these methods may have been used to present illegal betting income as legitimate business revenue. For this reason, the Paymix-4 operation is seen not only as a crackdown on illegal betting platforms, but also as a step toward uncovering a wider money laundering network.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are continuing to examine seized digital materials, account records and communication data. The findings may lead to further operations as prosecutors work to identify additional suspects and financial links.

The Paymix-4 operation highlights Turkey’s growing focus on illegal betting networks that use digital payment systems, cryptocurrency transfers and offshore-style structures to move large amounts of money. The investigation is expected to continue as authorities seek to dismantle both the operational and financial layers of the alleged network.