You are called to give a statement because money entered your bank account in an illegal-betting investigation. You may believe the payment was repayment of a personal debt or related only to your own betting, while the file may contain an allegation that the account facilitated the movement of betting funds.
In brief: Placing bets is not the same conduct as organising betting, providing access or facilitating related money transfers. Law No. 7258 regulates different acts separately. The role suggested by the account movements must be assessed together with what you knew and the other evidence.
Why betting and facilitating transfers must be distinguished
The assessment of a person who places bets on their own behalf differs from the assessment of someone who collects or transfers money for other bettors. The legislation provides different sanctions for different acts. Any current monetary sanction should be checked under the rules applicable at the relevant date.
Saying “I only bet” may not explain the entire payment flow. Conversely, the fact that money entered an account does not by itself establish every element of facilitating transfers. The purpose of the transactions and the person’s actual role must be made concrete.
What transactions may be investigated?
Payments from numerous unrelated senders, rapid onward transfers, recurring commission payments and messages giving transfer instructions may be considered together. Technical evidence may also examine whether multiple accounts were operated from the same device or access environment.
These factors are not automatic conviction criteria. If the transactions are said to arise from genuine trade, a loan or another lawful relationship, supporting records should be produced. A story should not be reconstructed after the fact merely from transfer descriptions.
What if I allowed an acquaintance to use my account?
Why the account was made available, to whom and for how long can be important. Handing over a password, telephone or card is not the same as merely providing an IBAN; however, in either situation the authorities may investigate what the account holder knew and what assistance was provided.
Whether a commission was received, the number of transactions and whether the conduct continued after warnings can all be relevant. Trusting an acquaintance may explain context, but does not determine the legal result by itself.
Records to prepare before giving a statement
- Complete bank statements for the relevant period.
- Documents showing the genuine relationship with senders and recipients.
- All communications with the person who requested use of the account.
- Any job advertisement, payment instruction or commission record.
- A clear distinction between transactions you carried out for yourself and those you say related to others.
- Any summons, notification or decision already received.
A summary table may be useful, but the original records should be retained. If you cannot explain a transaction, it is better to say so than to guess. If you are being questioned as a suspect, the right to legal assistance should be considered.
An account measure is not the same as a sanction
A restriction on an account does not mean that an offence has been established. The legal basis and scope of the measure should be identified as far as possible. A challenge to the restriction does not replace the substantive defence in the investigation.
An objection to an administrative sanction and an application in a criminal investigation may be subject to different authorities and deadlines. The type of notice should be reviewed before selecting the remedy.
Frequently asked questions
Only a few transactions passed through my account. Is that decisive?
No. The number of transactions is only one factor. Each transaction and the elements of the alleged offence must be assessed.
I made no profit. Will the case automatically close?
No. The absence of profit may be important evidence, but it does not guarantee that the investigation will end.
Can I rely on a penalty amount I found online?
Not safely. Legislative changes and annual updates may apply. The conduct, date and applicable provision should be checked.
DISCUSS YOUR CASE
Discuss your position in a betting investigation
We can review the alleged conduct, fund movements and investigation documents to assess your options under Turkish law.
A brief summary and important dates are enough for an initial enquiry. Send documents only when requested by our lawyers, through the channel they specify. Do not share passwords, one-time codes or wallet keys.
Sources and legislation
Law No. 7258, Article 5
Turkish Criminal Code No. 5237
Code of Criminal Procedure No. 5271
Originally prepared on 8 September 2026. This article provides general information on Turkish law. Remedies and deadlines should be assessed against the documents and circumstances of each case. The image is illustrative.
Related reading
I Let Someone Use My IBAN or Bank Account
I Was Defrauded in an Online Purchase
Related practice area: Criminal Law.