Turkey arrests 19 suspects in Yazıcıoğlu helicopter crash investigation
Ankara’s public prosecutor’s office announced that 19 of the 27 detained suspects were ordered to be imprisoned, while eight were released under judicial control. The suspects are linked to the 2009 helicopter crash that killed Büyük Birlik Partisi founder Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu and five other officials. Authorities say the case falls under the scope of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), citing alleged participation in a "planned murder" scheme.
The operation spanned ten provinces, targeting 30 addresses in simultaneous raids by the Organized Crime Branch. Investigators highlighted the presence of three military aircraft at the crash site, including an F‑4 fighter whose radar disappearance and low‑altitude flight are being scrutinised. The pilot, Ali Armağan, was later convicted for FETÖ membership, and ByLock messages mentioning a "remove him" directive from the organization’s leader were uncovered. The probe continues to examine links between the aircraft, FETÖ’s “mahrem imam” network and the crash.
The case remains under active judicial review, with further arrests and evidence collection anticipated.