Dawn Raids in Turkey: 26 Companies Targeted in Massive Money Laundering Probe; Commentator Levent Gültekin Detained

ISTANBUL – Turkish authorities launched a sweeping multi-province operation early Friday morning, targeting 26 companies and several financial advisors in a high-stakes investigation into organized crime, tax evasion, and money laundering.

Simultaneous Raids Across Five Provinces

Coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office (Anti-Money Laundering Bureau) and executed by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command, the operation focused on Istanbul and four other provinces.

Security forces conducted simultaneous raids on the offices of several prominent firms, including:

• Demir Holding

• Cavitech Denizcilik (Shipping)

• Ses Yapı (Construction)

The investigation encompasses a range of serious allegations, including the establishment of a criminal organization, tax evasion, forgery of official documents, and the laundering of assets derived from criminal activity. Large-scale searches are currently ongoing at the headquarters of the targeted firms, with authorities confirming that a significant number of suspects have already been taken into custody.

“Clean Hands” or Power Struggle? Turkey’s Ruling Party Faces Expanding Wave of Investigations

High-Profile Detention: Levent Gültekin

In a related development that has sparked significant public interest, prominent journalist and commentator Levent Gültekin was detained by police in the early hours of the morning.

According to a statement from his lawyer, Çağrı Çetin, Gültekin was taken into custody at approximately 01:20 AM while at a café in the Bebek district of Istanbul. He was transported to the Istanbul Police Headquarters on Vatan Street. While the exact link between his detention and the corporate raids has not been explicitly clarified by officials, reports indicate that his statement will be processed by the Cyber Crimes Department (Bilişim Şube) tomorrow.

Continuing Investigation

The Gendarmerie’s Department of Organized Crime (KOM) continues to process seized documents and digital evidence. More arrests are expected as the investigation into the financial networks of the 26 companies widens.