Turkish prosecutors have issued detention orders for 21 people – including 17 referees and two football club presidents – as part of a major investigation into betting and match fixing.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office reported conducting simultaneous raids across 12 cities, including Istanbul.

Eighteen suspects were taken into custody; two are believed to be abroad, and one could not be located.

Prosecutors have not yet disclosed the identities of those detained.

According to the statement, the referees are being investigated on charges of misconduct in the office and manipulating the outcome of games.

Among those named are Eyupspor president Murat Ozkaya, Kasimpasa Sports Club’s former owner Turgay Ciner and ex-president Fatih Sarac, who are accused of influencing match results.