Turkey Arrests 3 in Illegal Betting Operation Targeting ‘Betting Baron’

A major crackdown on illegal betting and money laundering in Istanbul has led to the arrest of three suspects, while two others were released under judicial control. Among those implicated is Derkan Başer, a figure long rumored to be at the center of Turkey’s underground betting networks.

Operation Details

The investigation, carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, focused on the laundering of criminal proceeds generated through illegal betting. Reports from the Cyber Crimes Department, the Financial Crimes Unit, and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) revealed that Başer’s network had been disguising illicit gambling revenue and channeling it through complex financial structures.

Following police custody, five suspects were brought before prosecutors. The court ruled to arrest Ertaş S., Hamdi S., and İnan Ç., while Ceren B. and Melek S. were released under judicial control.

Who is Derkan Başer?

• Born in 1977, Başer has been repeatedly linked to illegal betting and organized crime allegations.
• He is believed to reside in Batumi, Georgia, maintaining business ties with controversial businessman Galip Öztürk.
• Turkish media reports describe him as a key associate of Veysel Şahin, one of the most notorious figures in Turkey’s betting underworld.
• While various sources claim Başer is connected to multiple illegal betting platforms, no specific domain or operation has been officially confirmed. In some investigations, the name “Jasmin Bet” surfaced through witness testimony, though ownership remains unverified.

Insights from Kirli Çark

Journalist Murat Ağırel’s book Kirli Çark also references Başer extensively.

• The book alleges that Veysel Şahin laundered illegal betting profits by purchasing 24 apartments in Istanbul’s NEF13 project, with Başer acting as his right-hand man.
• It highlights Başer’s children appearing in a Galatasaray–Adana Demirspor match ceremony, symbolizing the social visibility of the network.
• Records cited in the book indicate Başer was arrested in a 2017 operation, released in 2018, and subsequently fled abroad.

Why It Matters

This latest operation underscores Turkey’s heightened focus on combating the link between illegal gambling and money laundering. With Başer once again in the spotlight, authorities appear determined to dismantle cross-border structures fueling the black-market betting economy.