Turkey's Ahbap Derneği probe sees arrests of Haluk Levent, Oğuzhan Uğur and summons of media figures

Turkish authorities are investigating Ahbap Derneği over allegations that disaster‑relief donations were funneled to private accounts. The probe, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, has resulted in the detention of the charity’s founder, singer‑songwriter Haluk Levent, and internet‑media personality Oğuzhan Uğur. Their arrests brought the total number of detainees to 27‑28, after a series of raids in Istanbul, İzmir, Kocaeli, Muğla and other cities. Charges include forming a criminal organization, qualified fraud, and money‑laundering.

In a later development, five well‑known public figures—journalist Ece Üner, former news anchor Fatih Portakal, lawyer Feyza Altun, musician Gökhan Özoğuz and TV presenter Öykü Serter—have been summoned to give statements as “information‑bearing witnesses.” Their appearances before the Istanbul Justice Palace are intended to clarify any connections to the alleged misuse of funds. Meanwhile, Haluk Levent’s X (formerly Twitter) account was blocked for users in Turkey, adding a digital‑rights dimension to the controversy.

The investigation continues to examine financial flows, property transfers and alleged gambling activities linked to the charity, with assets seized from multiple suspects.