Haluk Levent’s debt dispute and Ahbap charity probe intensifies

Founder and singer Haluk Levent was detained in July 2026 as part of a criminal investigation into the Ahbap charity foundation. In a five‑page “Farewell” post on social media he denied any fraud, described a long‑standing gambling addiction that led to large personal debts, and said the debts would be repaid. He highlighted a protocol with businesswoman Sevda Kurt that links about 90 million TL of debt to a 210 million TL claim, asserting that the agreement is documented and that MASAK reports confirm repayment of a 3 million USD loan. Levent urged that he be judged on his personal debts, not on Ahbap’s donations, and criticised Justice Minister Akın Gürlek for accelerating the operation against him. Former Ahbap treasurer Hüseyin Küçük testified that checks issued after his departure were used in ways he opposed, describing “serious fights” with Levent and Yeliz Kaya. The probe also led to the detention of former TÜRMOB board members, prompting calls from Ankara Meslekte Birlik for an urgent TÜRMOB audit. Journalists and commentators have questioned the handling of the case, while other public figures such as singer Nazan Öncel have linked the scandal to previous charitable activities. The investigation continues, with authorities examining the alleged misuse of Ahbap’s disaster‑relief funds and the validity of the debt protocol.