Turkish authorities appoint trustees to 11 companies in Süleymancılar probe

Authorities in Turkey have launched a third wave of operations against the group known as the ‘Süleymancılar’. Following an investigation by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, detention warrants were issued for 54 individuals, with 38 suspects already apprehended.

As part of the crackdown, trustees have been appointed to 11 companies and three associations. The companies include entities in sectors such as publishing, food, insurance, and construction. The associations involved are Saha Eğitim ve İnsani Yardım, Diversity Derneği, and IFA Uluslararası Kardeşlik Derneği.

The investigation was triggered by a report from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), which alleges large-scale money laundering, fraud, and tax law violations. Prosecutors claim that since 2020, unusual financial movements occurred, including the transfer of over 100 billion TL to foreign countries through a network of connected individuals and companies.

This follows previous operations in August, one of which resulted in the seizure of 200 kilograms of gold bullion valued at 1.34 billion TL. Alihan Kuriş, the leader of the group, has denied all allegations, describing the investigation as an ‘assassination of reputation’.