Turkish Authorities Conduct Raids on Online Broadcaster GAIN Media

The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on 16 December 2025 that a significant operation was conducted against GAIN Media, a Turkish online streaming platform, and its parent company, Anahat Holding. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of money laundering and illegal betting.

Simultaneous raids were carried out by Gendarmerie units at the headquarters of Anahat Holding and its subsidiaries. During these operations, three executives were detained, and all company assets were confiscated, as reported by the prosecutor's office.

The investigation was prompted by suspicious financial activities flagged by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK). Authorities noted that a number of large cash transactions and international wire transfers associated with Berkin Kaya, who owns a 50% stake in GAIN Media, raised red flags. The transactions involved extensive use of the SWIFT network and unexplained cross-border transfers that did not align with typical business operations. Investigators found a lack of a solid commercial foundation to justify the financial flows.

According to MASAK’s report, after Berkin Kaya acquired his stake in GAIN Media in June 2024, the company registered payments amounting to nearly ₺450 million (approximately $10.53 million) between April 2024 and January 2025. Following this, a capital increase to ₺1 billion (about $23.41 million) was made in November 2024, primarily financed through shareholder receivables—an approach that diverged from conventional financial practices.

Investigators also identified Anahat Media, established by Selahattin Aydin in December 2024, as a potential instrument for dubious transactions. Anahat Media purchased GAIN Media for ₺450 million in January 2025 and immediately raised its capital to ₺470 million on the same day.

Between January and August 2025, Anahat Media allegedly transferred over ₺1.07 billion to GAIN Media, predominantly funded by large cash deposits into Aydin’s personal accounts. Authorities suspect this arrangement was designed to disguise the origins of illicit funds, forming what they describe as an 'organised financial network' intended for laundering criminal proceeds.

The prosecutor’s office highlighted that the capital increases, payment structures, and the volume of cross-border transfers were inconsistent with normal commercial activity, reinforcing concerns of systemic money laundering.

As a result of the evidence presented, the Istanbul Criminal Court appointed the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) as trustee over GAIN Media and its associated companies.

Founded in 2020, GAIN Media is known for its digital streaming services, focusing on short-form original content. The platform was acquired by Anahat Holding, a company established in 2009, at the beginning of 2025. Anahat Holding operates in various sectors, including energy and construction, across Türkiye and the Gulf states.