Tuncay Sonel and 27 others arrested in Gülistan Doku investigation

Gülistan Doku investigation Tuncay Sonel organized crime Tunceli misuse of public power

New details have emerged in the investigation into the 2020 disappearance of Gülistan Doku, a student at Munzur University in Tunceli. Following a re-opened investigation in 2026, the Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has issued a referral document containing significant findings.

The prosecution stated that the case is no longer viewed as a simple missing person incident but rather an organized crime involving a ‘dark network of relationships’ that utilized public power. According to the referral, high-level civil and security officials, along with local bureaucrats, allegedly used their official influence and protection to interfere with judicial, digital, and medical systems.

As a result of the investigation, approximately 28 to 30 suspects have been arrested, including the former Governor of Tunceli, Tuncay Sonel, his wife Handan Sonel, their son Mustafa Türkay Sonel, and several former police officers. The suspects face charges including murder, aiding and abetting murder, sexual assault, and the destruction of evidence.