Fifteen people, including journalist Murat Ağırel, MP Mustafa Sarıgül’s son Ömer Sarıgül and his former wife Aylin Kotil, were arrested in an investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into allegations of money laundering and threats involving the Sarıgül family. The investigation began with complaints by German nationals K.P. and M.B. that large amounts of money of unclear origin had been laundered through companies established in Türkiye and abroad and that they had been threatened after providing Ağırel with information and documents concerning the Sarıgül family. Police detained Ağırel, who was under house arrest, on 16 October. After taking statements from 17 people, prosecutors referred 15 to a judgeship with requests for arrest. The judgeship arrested all 15 and released two under judicial control. Emir Sarıgül, for whom a detention order had been issued, went to the police on 19 October. Journalist Timur Soykan said Ağırel had been investigating allegations about the Sarıgül family, had spoken with the opposing side’s lawyer and had not published the report because he considered the documents insufficient. Ağırel had previously been placed under house arrest in a separate investigation after raising allegations concerning Trade Minister Ömer Bolat in relation to the fund crisis.
19 October 2026
Diken