Skip to content
Takeaways:
- Turkish authorities froze the assets of Darkex owner Seref Yazici over illegal betting and crypto money laundering.
- Yazici’s holdings include crypto, bank accounts, corporate shares, and real estate.
- The case is part of a wider crackdown on illegal betting platforms in Türkiye.
According to the report, Istanbul authorities have taken strong action against the owner of a Dubai-based crypto platform operating in Türkiye without a license. Seref Yazici, owner of Darkex, had his assets frozen on Monday.
The measure is taking place as part of an expanding investigation into illegal gambling operations and crypto-based money laundering. Darkex, a cryptocurrency trading site, has been banned by the Capital Markets Board (SPK) since September 2025.
The site, however, has been offering services even after the ban, which is why the authorities had to step in. The measure is aimed at preventing the transfer or concealment of assets obtained through criminal means.
Türkiye Freezes Crypto Linked to Illegal Betting
Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) announced that Yazici allegedly enabled the operation of unauthorized betting platforms. He allegedly provided digital infrastructure to facilitate the operation of the platforms and earn profits illegally.
To freeze the proceeds of the alleged criminal acts of Yazici, officials froze a variety of assets owned by him. This includes crypto assets, bank deposits, shares of companies, and real estate. This action by officials sends out a strong message that Turkey will closely monitor crypto platforms and act against any illegal activities in them.
This action by officials in Turkey comes after the recent seizure of $550 million in crypto assets owned by Veysel Sahin, a fugitive wanted by Interpol under its Red Notice. Sahin faces charges of operating illegal betting platforms and money laundering of criminal proceeds.
Yazici Case Signals Stricter Action on Digital Financial Crimes
The authorities have made it clear that the investigation in the case of Yazici is still in progress. The government of Türkiye is investigating not only the people involved in operating the illegal betting practices but also the technology and finances that facilitate them.
The government is trying to control all forms of movement of illegal funds in the country. This includes the operation of banks and the movement of digital currencies. Experts have indicated that the government of Türkiye is strengthening its regulations regarding the operation of digital currencies.
If the platforms involved in the operation of digital currencies are not authorized to operate in the country, they risk facing severe sanctions from the government. This shows that the government of Türkiye is taking a tough stance in dealing with financial crimes related to digital currencies.
The investigation in the Darkex case is still in progress. The authorities are trying to study more records in an effort to ensure that all the illegal practices in the operation of Darkex have been identified.
Related Reading: Strategy Inc Becomes World’s Largest Corporate Bitcoin Holder with 713,502 BTC
