Dristor Doner owner arrested in Turkish money laundering probe

Ahmet Uğur Pakcan, owner of the Dristor Doner Kebap chain and several currency exchange offices, has been arrested in Turkey as part of a large-scale investigation into a suspected criminal organization led by Alihan Kuriş.

The Ankara General Prosecutor's Office is investigating charges including the leadership of a criminal organization, aggravated fraud, tax law violations, and money laundering. Authorities allege the group moved large sums of money, including dollars, euros, and British pounds, between Turkey and Romania through unregistered financial transfers.

Testimony suggests a sophisticated smuggling circuit involving a student dormitory in Bucharest. Witnesses claim that students staying at the facility were used to transport large amounts of cash in suitcases between the two countries during holiday periods. The investigation has led to the arrest of dozens of suspects and the appointment of judicial administrators to 23 companies linked to the group.