Turkish police detained at least 30 people, including religious leader Alihan Kuriş, during a nationwide investigation involving the Suleymancilar religious group on Thursday. The operation included searches at more than 120 addresses and targeted individuals and companies linked to the group.
The raids took place in 17 provinces, including İstanbul, Ankara and Antalya, according to reports by Turkish Minute. Prosecutors issued detention warrants for 49 suspects. Three people were reportedly abroad, while 10 others remained at large.
SMread: Zambia votes: who’s who and what issues are shaping the elections?
Authorities investigate alleged financial crimes
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation concerned an alleged criminal organisation associated with Kuriş. It did not refer directly to the religious group in its statement.
The allegations include “establishing and leading a criminal organisation”, membership of a criminal organisation, laundering assets derived from crime, defrauding public institutions and violating Turkey’s Tax Procedure Law.
Authorities searched 43 locations belonging to individuals and 80 locations linked to 33 companies, Turkish Minute reported. Bianet said assets belonging to suspects were seized, while trustees were appointed to more than 30 companies connected to group members.
The investigation is focused partly on the financial activities of companies linked to the suspects. A report by Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board allegedly identified unexplained cash inflows, transfers between companies and shareholders, differences between commercial records and banking transactions, and foreign currency transfers from companies abroad.
According to the case file, about 100 billion liras, estimated at $23 million, was transferred abroad through methods involving individuals and companies believed to be connected to the group. Investigators are also examining allegations of fraudulent invoicing.
The Suleymancilar, also known within the community as Süleymanlılar, is a Sunni Muslim religious order founded by followers of Islamic scholar Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan. The group is associated with Quranic courses, student dormitories, educational institutions and civil society organisations.
Kuriş became its leader in 2016 after the death of Arif Ahmet Denizolgun. The group also operates outside Turkey, particularly in Germany, through religious education centres and associations.
The crackdown follows months of criticism from pro-government politicians and media figures. Fatih Süleyman Denizolgun, a former Justice and Development Party lawmaker and Tunahan’s grandson, called for a “financial operation” against companies, foundations and associations linked to the group in 2024.
Denizolgun later claimed that the president had ordered action against the group. The Directorate of Religious Affairs denied the allegation.
The Suleymancilar group has increasingly faced public scrutiny amid wider concerns about the treatment of religious organisations, civil society groups and political opponents in Turkey.
Image credit: Halk TV / Facebook.
