Istanbul Prosecutor Warns: Football Betting Probe Expanding to Basketball and Volleyball

The landscape of Turkish sports is facing a significant legal shake-up. Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Fatih Dönmez announced on Friday, April 10, 2026, that a major betting investigation, which initially centered on football, is evolving into a comprehensive sports betting investigation that could soon encompass basketball and volleyball.

Speaking to members of the press alongside Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor Kemal Aktaş, Dönmez revealed that the scope of the inquiry is widening based on critical data provided by sports federations and Spor Toto. The shift signals a move by Turkish authorities to address systemic gambling issues across multiple professional disciplines rather than treating football as an isolated case.

From Football to a Multi-Sport Inquiry

For months, the focus of the investigation remained on football-related betting and match-fixing. However, Dönmez clarified that the nature of the probe has shifted. “The football betting investigation has actually evolved into a sports betting investigation,” Dönmez stated. He noted that the authorities are now analyzing data that suggests irregularities may extend beyond the pitch.

According to the Chief Public Prosecutor, the potential expansion into basketball and volleyball is not speculative but driven by evidence. The prosecution is relying heavily on data streams from Spor Toto and the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) to identify patterns of suspicious activity that may mirror those found in football.

The Numbers: Suspects and Legal Action

The scale of the investigation is already substantial. In a briefing provided to the media, Dönmez shared specific figures regarding the progress of the case. Out of 129 suspects who were under investigation within the sports betting framework, 56 individuals have already had public lawsuits filed against them.

Despite the number of cases opened, the prosecutor confirmed that there are currently no suspects detained in the football betting and match-fixing probe. This suggests a strategic approach by the prosecution, focusing on building comprehensive case files through data analysis before moving toward arrests.

For those unfamiliar with the Turkish sports betting structure, Spor Toto serves as the primary authorized betting organization, making its data the gold standard for investigators looking for anomalous betting volumes or suspicious timing.

Targeting the Betting Infrastructure

The crackdown extends far beyond the athletes and officials on the field. Dönmez emphasized that the fight against illegal betting is targeting the entire ecosystem. The investigation is currently focusing on the “infrastructure” of illegal gambling, which includes:

• Individuals providing the technical platforms for illegal bets.
• Entities facilitating illicit money transfers.
• People opening or providing bulk accounts to hide the identity of gamblers.

Dönmez described the current phase as a “comprehensive preparation,” asserting that the government’s stance on illegal betting is clear and resolute. He warned that the investigation will continue to grow until the illegal systems are completely dismantled.

Broad Legal Context in Istanbul

The announcements regarding sports betting were part of a larger press conference where Chief Public Prosecutor Fatih Dönmez addressed several high-profile legal matters. While the sports world is focused on the betting probe, the prosecutor also provided updates on other significant operations in the city.

Dönmez noted that investigations into the municipalities of Büyükçekmece, Gaziosmanpaşa, and Bayrampaşa are nearing completion, with lawsuits expected to be filed within approximately two weeks. He touched upon the ongoing legal battle against the Barış Boyun crime organization, stating that 87 new suspects have been added to the original 305, bringing the total to 392 defendants in a consolidated case. He also confirmed that the extradition process for the organization’s leader, Barış Boyun, from Italy to Turkey is ongoing.

What In other words for Turkish Sports

The expansion of the probe into basketball and volleyball could have far-reaching implications for the integrity of Turkish professional leagues. If the prosecution finds evidence of match-fixing or illegal betting patterns in these sports, it could lead to sanctions, bans, and a broader crisis of confidence among fans and sponsors.

The reliance on data from NTV Spor and Cumhuriyet reports indicates that the authorities are prioritizing a data-driven approach to purge illegal gambling from the sporting world.

Key Takeaways from the Prosecutor’s Briefing

• Scope Expansion: The probe is no longer just about football; it is now a general “sports betting investigation.”
• New Targets: Basketball and volleyball are the primary sports currently under scrutiny.
• Case Stats: 129 suspects studied; 56 public lawsuits filed; zero current detainees.
• Key Evidence: Data from Spor Toto and sports federations (specifically TFF) are driving the expansion.
• Systemic Approach: Authorities are targeting the financial and technical infrastructure of illegal betting, not just the end-users.

The next phase of the investigation will likely involve the formal processing of data from the basketball and volleyball federations. As the prosecution continues its “comprehensive preparation,” the sports community awaits confirmation on whether new lawsuits will be filed against players or officials in those disciplines.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s office releases more details on the expanded sports betting probe.