A Turkish national, Fedlan Kılıçaslan, suspected of masterminding a massive illegal online gambling network that operated extensively across Ukraine and other countries, has been arrested in Barcelona. The arrest was executed based on an Interpol red notice. In addition to financial crimes, the shadow gambling tycoon faces charges involving two counts of sexual assault. He is currently in Spanish custody awaiting a court decision on his extradition to Turkey.
Kılıçaslan’s career in the gaming industry began from humble origins as a waiter in Northern Cyprus. He later advanced to managing a slot machine parlor, which served as a launchpad for establishing a transnational illegal online gambling network. Turkish authorities have linked him to dozens of «mirror» websites of prominent online casinos, including:
MeritKing
MadridBet
KingRoyal
Despite consistent crackdowns and domain blocks by regulators, these platforms systematically resurfaced under new domain names.
Kılıçaslan also expanded his footprint into Ukraine. In Lviv, he officially registered several corporate entities. Through one of these firms, the Turkish entrepreneur secured the rights to the MeritKing and Euromatch trademarks. Following the outbreak of the full-scale war, the ownership structure shifted dramatically: the companies were transferred to a proxy owner (a «front man»), who reportedly holds 348 different shell companies under his name.
After scaling back his operations in Ukraine, Kılıçaslan relocated to Warsaw. In the Polish capital, the sports betting and casino operator maintained a conspicuously lavish lifestyle, purchasing a luxury apartment valued at seven million euros, driving a Ferrari with custom license plates, and establishing a new call center to support his ventures.
However, his attempts to evade international justice failed. His recent arrest in Spain deals a critical blow to his illicit gambling business empire.
Context: Kılıçaslan’s case sheds light on the broader dynamics of the regional market. Industry insiders ironically note that under different circumstances, the shadow bookmaker could have easily laundered his profits domestically—for instance, by acquiring an esports team or launching a venture capital fund—effectively mirroring the trajectory of certain «respected Ukrainian investors» with similar backgrounds.
Turkish prosecutors are currently finalizing the necessary paperwork to secure Kılıçaslan’s extradition to Ankara, where he faces a lengthy prison sentence.