Turkish Authorities Seize €460M in Crypto from Alleged Betting Baron
Turkish prosecutors have frozen €460 million ($546 million) in cryptocurrency holdings linked to Veysel Şahin, a convicted gambling operator suspected of running a billion-dollar illegal betting network. The seizure targets assets held on international crypto platforms as part of a money laundering probe.
Istanbul's Chief Public Prosecutor executed the freeze following a Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) report. Şahin, who fled Turkey after a 2023 prison release, allegedly provided infrastructure for unlawful gambling sites. The case originated from money laundering allegations tied to Ekol TV channel, bolstered by protected witness testimony.