Turkish Prosecutors Summon Businessman Saadettin Saran in Expanding Narcotics Probe

Turkish prosecutors have summoned prominent businessman and sports executive Saadettin Saran to give testimony as part of a wide-ranging narcotics investigation that has already ensnared artists, social media figures and high-profile suspects. Authorities searched Saran’s residence but said there was no detention order against him. The investigation has also led to the seizure of assets belonging to key suspect Kasım Garipoğlu and a fresh wave of arrests in Istanbul.

Turkish prosecutors have called Saadettin Saran, chairman of Fenerbahçe Sports Club and a well-known businessman, to testify in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation being conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, according to official statements and local media reports.

Judicial sources said that while no detention order has been issued against Saran, authorities obtained a search warrant for his residence as part of the inquiry. Saran was reported to be abroad at the time of the search and is expected to return to Türkiye to provide testimony under police escort at Istanbul’s Çağlayan courthouse.

Search Conducted, No Illegal Findings Reported

According to information shared with the media, no illegal items were found during the search of Saran’s home. Sources familiar with the matter said investigative teams filed an official report stating that no unlawful materials or evidence were detected at the property.

The allegations directed at Saran reportedly include “supplying narcotics” and “facilitating the use of narcotic substances.” Prosecutors have not issued a public indictment, and judicial authorities stressed that Saran’s testimony is being sought as part of the fact-finding phase of the investigation.

Confirmation of Overseas Travel

Journalist Barış Terkoğlu reported that he contacted sources close to Saran, who confirmed that the businessman had traveled abroad for basketball-related engagements and transfer negotiations involving Fenerbahçe.

These details were later confirmed in a public statement by Ali Alper Alpoğlu, a member of Fenerbahçe’s board of directors.

In his statement, Alpoğlu said Saran traveled abroad to attend the Olimpia Milano–Fenerbahçe Beko basketball match and to conduct transfer talks. Upon being informed of the legal process, Saran initiated his return and is expected to enter Türkiye on the first available flight, Alpoğlu said.

Expanding Investigation Targets High-Profile Figures

Saran’s case forms part of a broader narcotics investigation that has unfolded in multiple waves and drawn widespread public attention. The probe has already resulted in the detention of singers, actors, social media influencers and business figures, according to prosecutors.

One of the central figures in the investigation is Kasım Garipoğlu, a cousin of Cem Garipoğlu, who was convicted in the high-profile murder of Münevver Karabulut in 2009. Authorities issued a capture warrant for Kasım Garipoğlu earlier in the investigation.

Allegations Involving Bosphorus Mansion

According to reporting by Mynet, investigators determined that Garipoğlu and businessman Burak Ateş allegedly hosted drug-fueled parties at a waterfront mansion on the Istanbul Bosphorus.

Searches conducted at the property reportedly uncovered numerous drug-related devices, along with large quantities of counterfeit U.S. dollars, strengthening suspicions of organized criminal activity, investigators said.

Asset Seizures and New Arrests

As the investigation deepened, prosecutors ordered the seizure of all assets belonging to Kasım Garipoğlu, citing the risk of asset concealment and the scale of the alleged offenses.

In a subsequent operation carried out by the Istanbul Police Department—as opposed to earlier raids led by the gendarmerie—authorities detained eight suspects in coordinated raids across the city.

Among those briefly detained was actress Ezgi Eyüboğlu, who was later released after giving testimony.

Charges Filed Against Multiple Suspects

Prosecutors said the suspects face a range of charges, including:

• Manufacturing and trafficking narcotics

• Possession or use of narcotic substances

• Facilitating prostitution

• Violations of firearms and weapons regulations

During searches linked to Garipoğlu’s address, police said they seized licensed and unlicensed handguns, ammunition, various narcotics, drug-use paraphernalia and counterfeit currency.

Background: Saadettin Saran’s Business Interests

Saadettin Saran is one of Türkiye’s most prominent business figures, with interests spanning media, sports broadcasting, defense, tourism and industrial services. He is the founder and chairman of the Saran Group, a conglomerate best known for its role in sports media rights and broadcasting partnerships.

Through Saran Holding, the group has been involved in sports content distribution, betting services, aviation support, and international defense projects, while also maintaining a visible presence in Türkiye’s professional sports ecosystem. Saran has long been a high-profile figure in Turkish football governance and business circles, particularly due to his association with Fenerbahçe.

Judicial authorities emphasized that Saran’s business activities are not under investigation and that his inclusion in the inquiry is limited to the specific allegations under review.

Investigation Ongoing

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional summons or arrests cannot be ruled out as evidence continues to be reviewed.

Officials reiterated that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty and urged the public to rely on verified judicial statements rather than speculation.

Source: Turkish prosecutors, local media reports

PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.

Follow our English YouTube channel (REAL TURKEY):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFJB4GFiNkhmpVZQ_d9Rg

Twitter: @AtillaEng
Facebook: Real Turkey Channel: https://www.facebook.com/realturkeychannel/***