Turkish authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown targeting individuals accused of sharing and monetizing sexually explicit content through the subscription-based platform OnlyFans, despite the service being officially banned in the country.
According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, coordinated raids were carried out across eight cities on Friday morning as part of an investigation into alleged obscenity and money laundering offenses.
The operation, conducted in partnership with the Istanbul Police Department Cyber Crimes Unit, resulted in the detention of at least 17 suspects.
Police confirmed that simultaneous raids took place in Istanbul, as well as Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Edremit, Gölcük and Samsun.
Detention orders were reportedly issued for a total of 25 individuals.
Prosecutors allege that the suspects used public-facing social media platforms to share preview content before directing followers to subscription-based services and encrypted messaging applications, where explicit material was allegedly sold for a fee.
Authorities claim that users were guided to alternative access routes, including altered IP addresses, to bypass national restrictions.
OnlyFans, a UK-based content subscription platform widely used by adult content creators, has been blocked in Turkey since June 2023.
Officials previously stated that the site contained material deemed incompatible with “public morality and the Turkish family structure.”
Messaging app Telegram has also faced restrictions in the country under similar concerns.
Beyond obscenity-related charges, the investigation focuses heavily on financial activity. Prosecutors claim that income generated from the alleged online content was converted into high-value assets.
Authorities reported the seizure of approximately £5 million (300 million Turkish lira), along with 10 properties, 14 vehicles, and two companies believed to be linked to the suspects.
Investigators further allege that proceeds were invested in movable and immovable property, cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, gold holdings, and fixed-term bank deposit accounts.
Financial records and digital data are currently being examined as part of the ongoing probe.
Legal experts note that obscenity laws in Turkey fall under Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code, which criminalizes the production, distribution, and publication of material considered obscene.
Convictions can result in prison sentences and substantial fines, depending on the severity of the charges.
Among those named in detention orders are several well-known Turkish social media figures, including Merve Taşkın, Gizem Bağdaçiçek, Burçin Erol and Serpil Cansız.
Authorities stated that these individuals were not taken into custody as they are currently abroad.
It remains unclear whether the influencers intend to return to Turkey to respond to the allegations. As of publication, there have been no public statements from the named individuals addressing the investigation.
The operation highlights Turkey’s increasingly strict approach to regulating online content. Government officials have argued that such measures are necessary to protect public morality and social values, while critics contend that the bans raise concerns about freedom of expression and digital rights.
Digital policy analysts say the case underscores the complexities of enforcing online content restrictions in a globally connected environment.
Despite national bans, users may attempt to access blocked platforms through virtual private networks (VPNs) or altered IP configurations, creating enforcement challenges for authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing, with officials indicating that additional detentions or asset seizures could follow as digital and financial records continue to be reviewed.
For now, the case represents one of the most extensive enforcement actions related to adult content and online monetization in Turkey in recent years. Legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks as prosecutors determine whether to file formal indictments against the detained suspects.