Turkish authorities have detained the founder and leader of the Furkan Foundation, Alparslan Kuytul, his wife and several others during a major police operation centred on Adana. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said legal proceedings had been launched against 32 suspects over a series of alleged criminal offences.
The operation targeted 49 addresses across six provinces, while court-appointed trustees were assigned to five companies.
Police search Kuytul’s home
Teams from the Adana Police Department’s Anti-Terror Branch searched Kuytul’s home in the Reşatbey neighbourhood of Seyhan early in the morning.
A large police presence was deployed in the area, including riot police and special operations units.
Kuytul’s supporters gathered outside the property and chanted slogans, leading to a brief period of tension with police.
Following the search, Alparslan Kuytul, his wife Semra Kuytul and several other suspects were taken into custody.
Investigation covers 32 suspects
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that legal proceedings had been initiated against 32 suspects.
According to the Turkish authorities, the investigation concerns allegations including establishing and leading a criminal organisation, membership of a criminal organisation, money laundering, aggravated fraud, forgery of official documents and violations of tax legislation.
Authorities said the case file includes statements from complainants and witnesses, financial analyses, bank transactions and digital evidence.
Access was also blocked to 349 social media accounts that allegedly carried out activities in support of the organisation under investigation.
Court-appointed trustees were also assigned to oversee five companies.
Minister says inquiry is not targeting religious beliefs
Gürlek said the investigation was not directed against any religious group, belief or lawful activity.
He said the inquiry concerned specific allegations of criminal conduct, pressure allegedly exerted on individuals and financial evidence included in the case file.
The investigation is being conducted by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in cooperation with the police and the relevant cybersecurity authorities.
Source: CNA
