Investigation Reveals Suspects in Illegal Betting Case
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has identified the identities of 23 suspects in an investigation into alleged illegal betting activities, which includes social media influencers and several celebrities.
As part of the investigation, 16 suspects, including popular figures Mehmet Ali Erbil and Serdar Ortaç, were taken into custody. Among the suspects who allegedly appeared in illegal betting advertisements are singer Serdar Ortaç, TV host Mehmet Ali Erbil, former footballer Batuhan Karadeniz, social media influencers İbrahim Yılmaz, Muzaffer Zorbey Erkoçlar, Sefa Caner Sarıçam, and dual citizen of Russia and Turkey, Aleksander Mensikof.
Operational Details and Arrests
In a coordinated operation by the Istanbul Police Department, 16 suspects, including Mehmet Ali Erbil and Serdar Ortaç, were apprehended. Five suspects are believed to be abroad, while efforts to locate the remaining two are ongoing. Following the completion of police procedures, the 16 suspects were taken for a health examination before being brought to court.
Judicial Developments and Statements
Mehmet Ali Erbil and Serdar Ortaç were presented to the prosecutor at the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for their alleged involvement in illegal betting activities. Erbil and Ortaç faced a request for detention pending trial and were subsequently brought before the court.
During his transfer to court, Mehmet Ali Erbil confirmed to reporters, “I have been arrested.” His lawyer intervened at that moment. In a separate statement, Serdar Ortaç expressed remorse, stating, “I am deeply saddened. The allegations are untrue, but I have still set a bad example for society. That’s why I am very sorry.”
Judicial Outcomes and Legal Measures
Following their court appearances, Serdar Ortaç was released under judicial control measures, which include a requirement to sign in weekly. On the other hand, Mehmet Ali Erbil was placed under house arrest.
Moreover, social media influencer İbrahim Yılmaz, another suspect in the illegal betting case, was detained by the court.
The legal proceedings surrounding this case are ongoing, with the authorities continuing their efforts to address the alleged illegal betting activities involving the identified suspects.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of the illegal betting network and the involvement of various individuals in this illicit practice. The public remains eager to see justice served and accountability upheld for those implicated in such activities.
