Papara Owner Arrested in Turkey for Facilitating Illegal Gambling

^{Pictured: Ahmet Faruk Karslı, founder of the Papara payment system}

Thirteen individuals have been detained in Turkey in connection with illegal gambling operations, including Ahmet Faruk Karslı, the founder of popular local payment service Papara, according to broadcaster AHaber.

Prosecutors in Istanbul allege that Papara played a key role in processing payments for unauthorized betting platforms. The company is accused of facilitating financial transactions between players and unlicensed gambling websites, earning revenue by charging fees on each transaction.

Authorities say the investigation led to the seizure of assets worth 5 billion Turkish lira (approx. $128 million), including multiple bank accounts, six marine vessels, 74 vehicles, and eight residential properties (seven apartments and one villa) tied to the suspects.

Gambling Park notes that Papara rose to popularity due to its convenient sign-up process, which allows users to open accounts remotely using a foreign passport. Once identity verification is completed, users can unlock higher spending limits.