The Turkish authorities have been taking very aggressive action against illegal gambling for several months now. Kerimcan Durmaz, a prominent Turkish social media influencer and DJ with almost 4 million followers, has been arrested in Istanbul as part of a broader investigation into illegal gambling promotions involving celebrities and influencers.
Key Details of the Case
- Durmaz is accused of promoting illegal gambling through advertisements during a performance in Malta.
- The arrest stems from an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
- Durmaz allegedly violated laws regulating betting on sports events and games of chance.
- Durmaz Instagram account: @kerimcandurmaz
Durmaz’s Defense
Durmaz denies the allegations, claiming:
- He had no prior knowledge of the gambling advertisements displayed during his performance.
- He took precautions to avoid associating himself with gambling on his social media profiles.
- He was hired solely as a DJ for the Malta venue and earned $10,000 for the performance.
Prosecution’s Evidence and Legal Proceedings
The prosecutors allege:
- Gambling advertisements were shared on social media on January 2 and 4, 2024.
- Ads were present during the final 20 minutes of Durmaz’s performance.
The court ruled to detain Durmaz, citing flight risk and the seriousness of the allegations. Durmaz’s lawyer, Muge Dogan, stated they would appeal the decision.
Implications for Influencer Marketing Compliance
This case highlights several important compliance issues in influencer marketing:
- Due Diligence: Influencers must be vigilant about the content displayed during their performances and in association with their brand.
- Contractual Clarity: Agreements should clearly outline the nature of the engagement and any restrictions on associated advertising.
- Regulatory Awareness: Influencers need to be aware of laws governing gambling and advertising in the jurisdictions where they perform or have an audience.
- Content Control: Maintaining control over the content displayed alongside performances is crucial to avoid unintended associations with illegal activities.
- Documentation: Keeping records of agreements, payments, and communications can be vital for legal defense if issues arise.
This case serves as a reminder of the legal risks influencers face and the importance of compliance in the rapidly evolving landscape of social media marketing and entertainment.
Report Illegal Activities
If you have information about illegal activities by influencers, please share it with us via our whistleblower system, Whistle42.
