36 Detained in Major Turkey Money Laundering Probe

A sweeping money laundering investigation in Turkey has led to coordinated operations across four provinces, with authorities targeting dozens of individuals and multiple companies suspected of orchestrating complex financial schemes. The move signals an intensified effort to curb illicit financial flows and protect the integrity of the country’s economic system.

The İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı announced that simultaneous operations were launched on February 13, 2026, as part of an ongoing probe conducted by its Bureau for the Prevention of Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering Crimes. The investigation, registered under file number 2026/8080, centers on allegations that suspects established an organized structure to facilitate the entry of unregistered funds into Turkey.

According to the official statement, operations were conducted in Istanbul and in the provinces of Ankara, Antalya, Kocaeli, and Kayseri. A total of 36 individuals and nine workplaces were targeted in the coordinated raids.

Allegations of Fictitious Trade and Currency Manipulation

Prosecutors allege that the suspects sought to benefit from Turkey’s foreign currency conversion support mechanisms by manipulating trade documentation and financial transfers. Authorities allege the group organized a scheme involving fictitious export and import invoices to justify foreign currency inflows whose origins were allegedly unclear.

The statement indicates that funds declared as coming from exports were transferred via the SWIFT system from countries where export activity was reported. However, investigators allege that these transfers involved money from unidentified sources. Additionally, funds allegedly brought into Turkey via cash declaration forms were either domestic foreign-currency collections or third-party funds.

Companies Identified in the Probe

Authorities publicly identified several companies as part of the investigation. Among those named are Altun Gold Kıymetli Madenler Ticaret Anonim Şirketi, its Çarşı branch, Altun Sanal Mağaza E-Ticaret Limited Şirketi, Ata Deniz Metal Demir Çelik Anonim Şirketi, Deniz Sera Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi, and Çelik Kons. Yapı İnş. San. ve Tic. A.Ş., and several other entities operating in sectors ranging from construction and metals to e-commerce and automotive trade.

Investigators allege that these companies were either directly involved in or connected to the financial structure under scrutiny. The breadth of sectors represented in the probe suggests that authorities are examining a potentially intricate commercial network rather than a single line of business.

Large-Scale Asset Seizures Ordered

As part of the judicial process, courts approved sweeping precautionary measures targeting assets believed to have been acquired with criminal proceeds since the alleged offenses. Officials confirmed seizure orders covering nine companies, one commercial shop, 25 plots of land or fields, 12 residential properties, and 104 vehicles.

By targeting real estate, vehicles, and corporate holdings, prosecutors aim to prevent the suspected economic gains from being reintegrated into the financial system.