# Investigation into Alihan Kuriş criminal organization

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-alihan-kuri-criminal-organization
> Updated: 2026-09-21T15:18:15.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Mehmet Dursun, the founder of the Turkish fashion brand Armine, has been detained as part of a fourth wave of investigations into the Alihan Kuriş criminal organization, also known as the ‘Süleymancılar’. 

The probe, led by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, involves 29 suspects and focuses on charges including money laundering, defrauding public institutions, and managing a criminal organization. Authorities allege the group used affiliated companies to facilitate international financial transfers and launder unregistered income, sometimes hiding cash within international aid shipments.

Armine had previously been placed under trusteeship by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) in August during an earlier phase of the investigation. This latest operation has resulted in the appointment of trustees to an additional 23 companies linked to the organization.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Armine founder Mehmet Dursun detained in criminal group probe

Armine founder Mehmet Dursun has been detained in Turkey during a major crackdown on the Alihan Kuriş criminal organization.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armine-founder-mehmet-dursun-detained-in-criminal-group-probe

### 2026-09-21: Mehmet Dursun: The founder and Chairman of Armine

Armine Chairman Mehmet Dursun detailed his journey from the textile sector in Istanbul to founding the Armine brand in 1989 with a focus on global identity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehmet-dursun-the-founder-and-chairman-of-armine

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Cite as: Investigation into Alihan Kuriş criminal organization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-alihan-kuri-criminal-organization