Erkan Özmen was known in Turkey as “Ekrem Abi” and was known for making gambling videos. According to a post by journalist İbrahim Haskoloğlu on X, Özmen was under investigation in Turkey for illegal betting activities and was detained in Montenegro for similar crimes. Özmen, who was caught in a successful operation by the Montenegrin police, had his assets seized. Özmen had attracted attention recently for being particularly active on social media.
However, the admins of his channel’s Telegram group stated that the temporary suspension of content was only related to the declaration of assets and that there were no other problems. However, the fact that Özmen had not received any new content for a long time increased the curiosity of his followers. This situation led to various speculations among his social media followers and rumors about the illegal betting sector.
Illegal Betting Accusation and Investigation Process
The main reason for Erkan Özmen’s detention was illegal betting activities and money laundering accusations. There were a number of illegal betting operations in Turkey in which Özmen’s name was mentioned, and it was stated that these activities were spreading internationally. Özmen was also associated with illegal gambling activities in Montenegro. Whether Özmen was involved in these crimes is being thoroughly investigated by the authorities.
Özmen had created a large follower base, especially with the gambling videos he shot on social media. These contents increased the interest in the illegal betting sector, which attracted Turkey’s attention. Montenegro police followed Özmen using local security protocols and eventually launched the operation.
Operation Conducted by Montenegro Police
After determining Özmen’s location, Montenegro police conducted an operation and detained him. This operation revealed that Özmen’s activities were not limited to Turkey but also had an international dimension. A number of luxury vehicles and large amounts of cash were seized during searches of Özmen’s home. It was strongly alleged that Özmen had expanded his assets with the income he obtained from illegal activities.
Following the operation, all of Özmen’s assets were seized. The seized vehicles include expensive vehicles such as the Lamborghini Aventador S, Porsche Cayene and Mercedes AMG G63. These assets reveal Özmen’s luxurious lifestyle. However, the police’s investigations into how he acquired his assets may provide more details.
Seized Luxury Assets and Money
The seizure of Erkan Özmen’s assets includes particularly striking vehicles and large amounts of money. During the operation, luxury vehicles such as Lamborghini Aventador S 6.5 V12, Porsche Cayene 3.0, Range Rover Velar and Mercedes AMG G63 found at Özmen’s home indicate that the subject has made significant profits from illegal activities. In addition, approximately 4 million TL in cash was seized.
The seized assets are associated with Özmen’s earnings from illegal betting businesses he conducted in Turkey and Montenegro. Investigating the source of such a large amount was an important stage of the investigation. The methods used in the illegal betting sector to launder and legitimize earnings are also subject to a wide-ranging investigation.
Money Laundering Charge
ne of the charges that led to Erkan Özmen’s detention is money laundering. It is alleged that Özmen laundered the earnings he made from his illegal betting activities through various means. It is stated that Özmen transferred large amounts of cash through local banks in Montenegro in order to legalize these incomes. The Montenegrin police are investigating the source of this money and aim to further clarify Özmen’s connection to the criminal organization.
However, no definitive statement has yet been made regarding the exact amount of cash and the methods of laundering. Özmen’s defense against these charges will affect the course of the process. Since such crimes are also linked to international law, correspondence and cooperation between the two countries will also gain importance.
International Law and Cooperation
Erkan Özmen’s detention in Montenegro has once again brought legal cooperation between Turkey and Montenegro to the agenda. Turkey is expected to apply to Montenegro for Özmen’s extradition. Both countries are taking various joint steps to combat illegal betting and money laundering crimes. Effective cooperation between security forces is necessary to prevent such crimes from spreading across international borders.
Erkan Özmen’s future legal process will also affect relations between the two countries. What penal sanctions Özmen will face for these crimes and what path will be followed regarding extradition procedures will be closely monitored.