[66670] Turkey: Minister of Justice approved the arrest of Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı in illegal gambling case

Dramatic development in Turkey: Arrests in illegal gambling and money laundering case

During May 19, 2026, Turkish media reported significant progress in the investigation of a large-scale illegal gambling case. According to Son Dakika Haberler Türkiye, authorities have issued international arrest warrants ("Interpol Red Notices") against all suspects residing outside of Turkey, including several former football players involved in the case.

At the center of the storm is the arrest of the famous journalist Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı. Turkey's Minister of Justice, Akyın Gürlek, confirmed in a conversation with the media that the arrest was carried out following close financial monitoring. According to the minister, "The process is advancing based entirely on MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) reports. He (Kütahyalı) was caught in MASAK tracking during a transfer of funds related to illegal gambling sites."

Sources identified with Turkish establishment news outlets, such as TGRT HABER and Haber Gündem, quote the minister emphasizing that the Adana Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting a "major operation" based on suspicious money movements, mediation for gambling sites, and illegal financial activity. The investigation is currently in stages of vigorous enforcement against all involved parties, within Turkey and abroad.