Advisor to Turkish MP Cemal Enginyurt arrested in money laundering probe

Cem Tekinoğlu, an advisor to Yeni Parti Istanbul Member of Parliament Cemal Enginyurt, has been arrested following an investigation by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The probe involves allegations of prostitution and money laundering.

According to details from the investigation, MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) identified suspicious bank transactions. Between February 2019 and July 2026, Tekinoğlu and associated company accounts reportedly made 51 separate transfers to 26 individuals with narcotics criminal records. Additionally, transfers were identified involving individuals with records related to the incitement, mediation, or coercion of prostitution.

During police and prosecutorial questioning, Tekinoğlu reportedly responded to inquiries regarding many of these individuals and the purpose of the transfers by stating, “I do not remember the person and why I sent the money.” He characterized some transfers as loans, student aid, or phone expenses.