Turkey detains 16, freezes ₺300m in Turkey Only Fans money laundering probe
Turkish authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into alleged money laundering linked to paid adult content platforms. Prosecutors say the probe focuses on financial flows connected to Only Fans, with coordinated raids carried out across eight provinces in Turkey. As part of the operation, 16 people were detained, while investigators identified a total of 25 suspects and two companies believed to be involved in the scheme.
Officials also moved to freeze and seize assets estimated at around ₺300 million, including bank accounts and other valuables. According to prosecutors, the investigation aims to determine whether revenues from online adult content were laundered through shell entities or intermediaries to conceal their origin. Authorities described the case as one of the most extensive financial probes tied to digital content earnings in recent years, signaling
What we know about the Turkey Only Fans money laundering probe
Prosecutors from the department handling terror-finance and money-laundering cases say suspects earned income by posting explicit content on social media and steering users to paid platforms, including Only Fans and private channels such as Telegram. Despite an access block imposed by an Istanbul court on June 7, 2023, investigators say some suspects used VPNs to reach the site.
Authorities say they identified 10 properties, 14 vehicles and two companies linked to the suspects, estimating the frozen assets at around ₺300 million. The statement adds that proceeds were laundered through asset purchases and investments in bitcoin and gold. The investigation is ongoing.
Timeline of the Turkey Only Fans money laundering probe
June 7, 2023
An Istanbul court orders an access block on Only Fans, citing public morality and family values.
February 13, 2026
Prosecutors announce 16 detentions, asset freezes worth ~₺300m, and operations across eight provinces including Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya.
Legal backdrop: access blocks and online platforms
The 2023 block on Only Fans is part of a broader pattern of content restrictions, according to digital-rights monitors who document frequent access blocks and takedown orders. While not specific to this case, these reports provide context for how platform access decisions are handled in Turkey.
Context & Analysis
The probe underscores Turkey’s continued enforcement focus on online content and monetization channels. While prosecutors allege laundering via real-estate, vehicles, crypto and gold, the legal threshold for proving proceeds of crime will hinge on financial forensics and links between content revenue and alleged laundering steps. The case also tests how effective long-running access blocks are when users employ VPNs.
Concluding Remarks
The detentions and asset freezes mark a significant escalation in enforcement around adult-content monetization in Turkey. Next steps include possible indictments, further asset tracing, and court proceedings that will clarify how authorities apply obscenity and money-laundering statutes to platform-based content.
FAQs
Q : Who was detained?
A : Prosecutors say 16 people were detained as part of a broader investigation targeting 25 suspects and two companies in Turkey.
Q : How much was seized?
A : About ₺300 million (around $6.9 million) in assets, including properties, vehicles, bank accounts, and company stakes.
Q : Is Only Fans accessible in Turkey?
A : No. An Istanbul court ordered an access block on June 7, 2023. Authorities allege some suspects used VPNs to bypass the restriction on OnlyFans.
Q : Did suspects use crypto?
A : Prosecutors allege laundering via asset purchases and investments in Bitcoin and gold.
Q : Which provinces were involved?
A : Operations spanned eight provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya.
Q : What is the legal basis for the access block?
A : The court cited content deemed contrary to public morality and family values.
Q : Does this affect creators or consumers?
A : Authorities say the focus is alleged laundering and illegal earnings; legal exposure depends on actions and compliance with court orders. Seeking legal advice is recommended.
Facts
Event
Detentions and asset freezes in investigation linked to content driving users to OnlyFans and paid channelsDate/Time
2026-02-13T14:30:00+05:00Entities
Turkey (Republic of Türkiye), Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, OnlyFans (Fenix International Ltd.), Telegram Messenger LLPFigures
₺300,000,000 seized/frozen; 16 detained; 25 suspects; 10 properties; 14 vehicles; 2 companies (units: Turkish lira, count)Quotes
“Despite the ban, suspects were found to have accessed the platform via virtual private networks (VPNs).” Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, via ReutersSources
Reuters (main report), Cumhuriyet (local statement recap)