# Habertürk executives drug and criminal organization trials

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/habertrk-executives-drug-and-criminal-organization-trials
> Updated: 2026-09-10T06:23:00.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

Legal proceedings have commenced in Istanbul involving former Habertürk TV executives regarding allegations of drug trafficking, facilitating drug use, and organized crime.

In the trial of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the former Editor-in-Chief, Ersoy and six others face charges including managing a criminal organization and sexual assault. The indictment alleges that Ersoy organized events where drugs were provided and victims were coerced into sexual encounters. Ersoy admitted to personal drug use but denied trafficking, organized crime, or sexual assault, claiming allegations were based on past personal relationships. The court ordered his continued detention.

In a related proceeding, Abdurrahman Veyis Ateş, the former General Manager of Habertürk, was released from custody following his first hearing. Ateş, who had been detained since late 2025, denied charges of facilitating drug use and trafficking. During the hearing, Ersoy provided testimony via SEGBIS that diverged from previous statements, noting that while Ateş had brought drugs to a 2019 gathering, he did not pressure others to use them. The trial for Ateş has been postponed until November 27, 2026.

## Claims

- The court ordered the continued detention of Mehmet Akif Ersoy and Mustafa Manaz. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Ersoy is charged with establishing and managing a criminal organization, 11 counts of qualified sexual assault, and drug trafficking or facilitating drug use. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 11 years and 3 months to 286 years and 2 months. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The indictment identifies 11 women as victims in the case. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The court initially ordered the hearing to be closed to the press and public, though this restriction was later lifted. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The investigation was triggered by a report made to the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command on November 2, 2025. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The court ordered the release of defendant Ufuk Tetik. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy admitted to using drugs 15 times over an eight-year period. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Mehmet Akif Ersoy trial begins in Istanbul

The trial of former journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy has begun in Istanbul. He faces charges of managing a criminal organization, drug trafficking, and 11 counts of sexual assault. Ersoy remains in detention.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehmet-akif-ersoy-trial-begins-in-istanbul

### 2026-09-07: Veyis Ateş released from custody in drug trafficking trial

Former Habertürk executive Veyis Ateş has been released from custody during his first drug trafficking trial in Istanbul, after witness Mehmet Akif Ersoy clarified his previous testimony.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abdurrahman-veyis-ate-appears-in-court-over-drug-trafficking-allegations

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Cite as: Habertürk executives drug and criminal organization trials. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/habertrk-executives-drug-and-criminal-organization-trials