A prominent DJ and social media influencer in Turkey was arrested for his alleged promotion of gambling while playing a set at an event in Malta. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has been looking into celebrities who partake in these advertising campaigns.

denies knowing about the ads

Authorities accused Kerimcan Durmaz of breaching the country’s laws when gambling ads were displayed while he was on stage. He denies knowing about the ads, saying that they were behind him while performing and that he only learned about them after the show by viewing social media footage.

He says he went to great lengths to ensure that none of the posts on his social media profiles contained the operator’s logo and claims he received $10,000 for his performance, with no remuneration for the ads.

Durmaz remains in custody as authorities see him as a potential flight risk. His legal representatives plan to fight the allegations and demonstrate that the ads “were displayed without his knowledge or consent.”

Actor Atakan Yılmaz is another high-profile individual arrested through the wider probe. He also denies any involvement in these matters.