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Turkish police used an AI-powered system that can interpret criminal slang and map online networks as part of an illegal gambling investigation that has left 121 suspects jailed pending trial.
The program, known as AVCI, Turkish for “hunter,” helped investigators identify suspected betting groups operating through Telegram, according to authorities.
Police launched raids across 39 Turkish provinces on Tuesday (Nov. 3), targeting 194 suspects. They detained 169 people, of whom 121 were ordered jailed pending trial, prosecutors announced Saturday (Nov. 7). Another 45 were released under judicial supervision and three without restrictions.
How the AI ‘Hunter’ Works
AVCI, an open source intelligence analysis system, was developed by Istanbul police to investigate criminal activity across messaging platforms.
According to a July report in Turkish newspaper Türkiye Gazetesi, the software uses natural language processing to interpret coded language, slang, and emoji combinations used by suspected drug dealers and illegal betting operators.
It also analyzes photographs and videos, links accounts operating under different identities, and maps connections between members of suspected criminal groups. It can also copy communication in closed messaging groups as it appears, meaning investigators can retain records even after criminals delete messages.
In a report published Sunday, Turkish newspaper Sabah said AVCI had identified 306,000 potentially incriminating messages linked to 47 groups.
It also named a 21-year-old software developer as a suspected ringleader, alleging he used the name of notorious British lottery winner Michael Carroll as his Telegram alias.
600,000 Messages Examined in Earlier Probe
AVCI has already featured in another major gambling investigation. In May, police said they used the system to analyze 600,000 messages in a 35-province investigation that led to 108 arrests.
Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) examined transactions linked to suspected illegal gambling activity, as police searched homes and businesses across the country. Local reports say officers seized phones, SIM cards, laptops, and other electronic equipment.
Turkey prohibits unauthorized online betting, and police have increasingly targeted operations that use messaging apps to promote gambling and handle payments.