Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has disabled mobile access for phones that failed to pay a 54,258 lira registration fee. The authority identified devices that have exceeded their 120-day grace period for registration. This measure targets mobile phones brought in from abroad that have not been properly registered in the system. Users who did not pay the registration fee for phones valued at $54,258 have had their devices shut down. Procedures have been accelerated against phones with dual SIM cards that were not registered in passports.

An investigation into football betting and match-fixing has identified nearly 500 club officials who allegedly participated in betting activities. The report noted that the number of players involved is likely even higher than the number of officials identified. The probe involves 129 total suspects, including hundreds of administrators. The source stated that the core issue in Turkish sports is a moral problem rather than just a betting problem. Authorities have filed public lawsuits against 56 suspects in a Turkish football betting and match-fixing investigation. Following recent releases, no suspects currently remain in custody for the case. Public lawsuits have been filed against 56 individuals. The investigation highlights ongoing ethical concerns within Turkish sports.

Experts are investigating whether a new and aggressive strain of measles is emerging in Turkey and the United Kingdom. The potential strain may challenge the effectiveness of existing vaccines. The source noted that such mutations are a possibility in any vaccinated disease.

A plane carrying 59 activists for a global summit landed at Istanbul Airport. Fifty-nine activists from the global Sumut fleet were brought to Istanbul on Monday evening. The activists stated they will continue the Sumut fleet's mission despite the incident. The activists reportedly faced harsh treatment, including long detention and intensive interrogation by Israeli forces in territorial waters off the Greek coast. Some activists reportedly experienced physical assaults during the process. The activists involved represent multiple nationalities. They stated the flotilla intends to continue its mission. One activist reported that foreign soldiers arrived suddenly during the fifth or fourth day of the mission around midnight. The activist alleged that a companion was knocked unconscious and then revived using a taser.

Fraudsters using IBAN-based schemes have targeted students, housewives, and retirees in Turkey. Scammers lure victims using methods like fake scholarship offers to seize personal information. Stolen bank account details are then used to facilitate money laundering operations.

Tens of thousands of people in Turkey are facing qualified fraud charges after allegedly allowing third parties to use their bank accounts for aid or profit. The investigation involves individuals who fell into traps set by scammers.

Technical director Dominik Tedesco arrived at Istanbul Airport and was met by a large group of Fenerbahçe supporters. Activists from the Sumut Flotilla arrived in Istanbul on Friday evening via a special flight organized by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The group arrived from Crete following an incident where the Israeli military intercepted part of the flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade. The source noted that French nationals are among those who were arrested during the interception. Initial reports indicated that 20 Turkish citizens were expected to arrive, but two individuals were unable to travel due to health issues. The group arrived following a maritime rescue operation. Approximately 60 Turkish activists arrived at Istanbul airport on Friday evening after being disembarked in Crete. Thirty-one individuals were hospitalized during the incident.

Over 20,000 members of the Memur-Sen union gathered in Ügürlük Square to celebrate May Day. Participants also used the rally to voice opposition to wars and genocide. The demonstration included messages against war and genocide.

Republican People's Party Chairman Özgür Özel and DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan attended May Day solidarity celebrations in Kadıköy, Istanbul. Groups attempting to march to Taksim Square faced police intervention.

Turkish golfer Deniz Sapmaz is competing in the DP Tour Ladies European Tour tournament in Turkey. Sapmaz is the first Turkish woman to compete in this professional tour.