Erdoğan Under Fire for Illegal Online Gambling Failures
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is facing strong criticism over the government’s failure to tackle illegal online gambling effectively. This backlash follows the arrest of Ahmed Faruk Karslı, founder and CEO of Papara, a popular Istanbul-based fintech app.
Papara’s Role in Illegal Gambling and Money Laundering
Investigations revealed that Papara was used to process illegal betting transactions through more than 26,000 accounts, totaling approximately 12.9 billion Turkish lira (around €340 million). These funds were laundered through 270 banks and transferred to cryptocurrency wallets linked to illegal gambling operators.
Government Response and Restrictions
The Turkish Central Bank imposed transaction limits on Papara, and the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) froze Papara accounts during the ongoing police investigation. Despite these measures, critics argue that the government’s response has been insufficient.
Opposition Criticism and Political Fallout
Opposition parties, led by Ali Babacan of the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA), accuse Erdoğan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of negligence and complicity. Babacan highlighted how illegal gambling platforms operate openly with the approval of top officials, undermining Turkey’s rule of law and harming families
Babacan stated, “The government speaks of fighting illegal gambling, while enabling it with the other hand.” He warned that the Papara scandal is only the beginning, with illegal operators targeting Turkish users via social media and banking partnerships
Contradiction to Government Promises
Earlier in 2025, Erdoğan and senior officials promised a crackdown on illegal gambling. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya called for nationwide enforcement, but critics say these pledges have been largely performative
Broader Political Implications
The scandal deepens public distrust in Erdoğan’s leadership amid other political challenges, including protests and accusations of democratic backsliding. Opposition alliances are calling for snap elections to restore rule of law and accountability
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