The raid occurred during the inspection of a warehouse utilized by a firm connected to the fleeing suspect. Law enforcement detained 38 suspects and issued 32 arrest warrants as part of an investigation linking an influential Turkish sect to money laundering activities. Turkish police forces are actively pursuing Hilmi Tuna Kurish, the at-large brother of Alikhan Kurish, leader of the Suleymanjilar sect who was arrested during a money laundering probe. Investigations resulted in the discovery and seizure of 200 kilograms of gold bullion of unknown origin, valued at 28 million dollars, on Sunday. According to local press reports, officers raided premises belonging to a chemical goods business that had no operational ties to the jewelry sector, thereby refuting rumors and allegations circulating across social media regarding the seizure.
38 Individuals Detained and 32 Arrest Warrants Issued
The inquiry conducted by the financial crimes division of the provincial police under the direction of the Ankara prosecutor’s office led to the arrest of 38 individuals suspected of maintaining ties with the activities of the Suleymanjilar sect. A statement from the prosecutor’s office confirmed that all suspects were presented before an examining magistrate. Arrest warrants were issued against 32 individuals, while judicial supervision measures were ordered for the remaining six suspects.
According to Turkish media outlets, massive financial transactions passed through corporate entities associated with the suspects arrested in connection with the case. Authorities cited bank transactions amounting to tens of billions of Turkish liras alongside international fund transfers reaching several billion dollars, in addition to substantial cash deposits and rapid, obscure transfers between corporate entities.
Suleymanjilar Sect Members Demonstrate in Ankara
The arrest of the Suleymanjilar sect leader prompted a demonstration by followers in Ankara protesting the judicial proceedings. The religious group manages thousands of centers across Turkey and operates in Germany with funding support from the German government, according to press sources. Founded in the middle of the last century, Suleymanjilar stands as one of the most influential sects in Turkey. Legal actions targeting its activities recently resulted in the arrest of 43 of its members, according to Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci.