Haluk Levent and Ahbap Derneği under investigation for alleged misuse of donations

Turkish authorities have opened a broad criminal investigation into Ahbap Derneği, the charitable foundation founded by singer Haluk Levent. Prosecutors allege that donations collected for disaster relief were diverted to personal accounts, used for illegal gambling, and involved large‑scale money‑laundering schemes. The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) report identifies millions of Turkish lira in suspicious transfers, including more than 2,000 advance‑payment transactions, a 25‑million‑lira villa purchase, and extensive cash inflows to Babala TV and related companies.

Key figures detained include Haluk Levent, his assistant Yeliz Kaya, Oğuzhan Uğur (founder of Babala TV), and Alper Çelik, a co‑founder of Ahbap. Çelik told investigators that he acted on Levent’s instructions, using his own bank accounts for betting, stock trading and debt payments, and that the funds’ origins were unclear. Other arrested individuals range from charity officials to financial auditors and a suspect linked to cryptocurrency activities.

The probe has drawn public criticism, notably from singer‑director Mahsun Kırmızıgül, who accused Levent of recurring bad habits despite his charitable image. The case continues to unfold as prosecutors examine the financial trail and decide on further charges.