Istanbul police are stepping up efforts against cyber fraud, illegal betting and criminal proceeds, using digital analysis, virtual patrols and artificial intelligence-supported tools to identify suspects and uncover criminal networks.
The Istanbul Police Department’s Cybercrime Branch operates around the clock to prevent and detect crimes committed online, examining digital traces across social media platforms, websites, messaging applications, bank accounts and cryptocurrency accounts.
Authorities assess digital evidence alongside financial transactions in investigations, aiming to identify not only individual perpetrators but also the organizations behind criminal activities and the proceeds they generate.
Cyber fraud remains one of the branch’s main areas of focus. In 2025, police operations resulted in 619 suspects being detained, with 449 subsequently arrested.
This year, authorities have conducted 22 operations targeting cyber fraud networks, including seven operations against internationally operating call centers and financial offices established by domestic and foreign criminal organizations.
Simultaneous operations have also targeted 13 organized fraud gangs. Authorities imposed precautionary measures on assets believed to have been obtained through criminal activity, including four companies, 15 gas stations and a foreign exchange office, with the total value of assets subject to measures reaching approximately TL 4 billion ($82.8 million).
In 2026, 348 suspects referred to judicial authorities in cyber fraud investigations have been arrested, while 200 were released under judicial control and 89 were released following police procedures. Deportation proceedings were initiated against 27 foreign suspects, while four others were placed under house arrest.
Illegal betting remains key focus
Police are also intensifying their fight against illegal betting networks operating online.
In 2025, 13 operations targeting illegal betting resulted in 504 suspects being detained and 266 being arrested. Police also conducted operations against betting advertisers, external financial houses and money laundering networks linked to illegal betting.
This year, 12 operations targeting illegal betting have resulted in 255 suspects being detained, with 188 arrested and 54 released under judicial control.
Police have also detained 137 suspects in money laundering operations targeting assets obtained through illegal betting. Of these, 68 have been arrested and 62 released under judicial control.
Authorities have seized assets worth more than TL 5.65 billion as part of operations conducted this year.
Over the past two years, 103 operations targeting illegal betting and criminal proceeds have resulted in arrest measures being imposed on 732 suspects. Precautionary measures have been placed on assets worth TL 14.39 billion, including companies, movable and immovable property, bank accounts and cryptocurrency accounts.
Authorities have also blocked access to 150,795 URLs belonging to illegal betting websites.
Istanbul cyber police are using an artificial intelligence-powered program called "Avcı” to support investigations into illegal betting.
The system allows teams to analyze social media groups and identify suspected criminal activity.
Police are also conducting preventive awareness programs through the SIBERAY project, coordinated by the General Directorate of Security’s Cybercrime Department. The initiative provides training on safe internet use, cyberbullying, digital addiction, cyber fraud, illegal betting and personal data protection.