Türkiye Arrests OnlyFans Stars for Money Laundering

Turkish authorities have detained 16 adult content creators in a major crackdown on individuals linked to the platform OnlyFans, which has been banned in the country since June 2023.

During a series of coordinated raids in Istanbul and Ankara, investigators seized approximately 300 million Turkish lira ($6.9 million) in assets, including luxury vehicles, real estate, and two companies.

The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office alleges that the suspects used other social media apps, primarily Telegram, to promote their restricted content.

Prosecutors stated there are “strong indications” that the creators laundered their earnings through various investments to bypass Türkiye’s strict regulations on public morality and family values.

OnlyFans (News Central TV) — Türkiye arrests OnlyFans stars for money laundering. Credit: Bianet

While OnlyFans is officially blocked in Türkiye, many users continue to access it via VPNs. This operation targeted 25 individuals in total; however, at least five are believed to be currently residing abroad.

The arrests signal a heightened effort by the Turkish government to enforce its ban on adult content platforms by targeting the financial trails of their top earners.

Author

Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.