Turkey detains pop star, arrests influencers as part of illegal betting probe

In an investigation on the “promotion of illegal betting” initiated by Turkish authorities, 16 individuals—including TV personality Mehmet Ali Erbil, popular musician Serdar Ortaç, and several social media influencers—were detained. Of the 12 people arrested, access restrictions were imposed on the social media accounts of eight.

Wednesday November 13 2024 12:14 am

Famous figures Serdar Ortaç (L) and Mehmet Ali Erbil (R) are known for their social media presence as well.

Duvar English

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on Nov. 11 launched an investigation on allegations of “promotion of illegal betting” and issued detention orders for 23 individuals.

In the resulting operations, 16 suspects, including famous TV personality Mehmet Ali Erbil, popular musician Serdar Ortaç, and several social media influencers, were detained.

After being referred to the on-duty court with a request for arrest following their statements to the prosecutor, Ortaç and Erbil—were placed under judicial control measures in the form of house arrest. Twelve suspects were arrested, while two minors were released under judicial control.

Famous musician Ortaç, who had previously made headlines due to gambling issues, stated, "I’m very sorry. The allegations aren’t true, but I’ve still been a bad example to society. That’s why I’m very sorry."

The investigation alleged that the suspects took part in advertisements for illegal betting. Both Ortaç and Erbil on the other hand argued that they were invited for an opening ceremony in Malta under false pretenses and their photographs were used without their consent.

A part of the investigation, access restrictions on Nov. 12 were imposed on the social media accounts of eight arrested influencers, while the probe into the accounts of four others has been reportedly ongoing.