Acun Medya Executive Esat Yontunç Detained at Istanbul Airport in Narcotics Probe

ISTANBUL — Esat Yontunç, the General Coordinator of the global media powerhouse Acun Medya, was detained by Turkish authorities at Istanbul Airport on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The arrest follows a warrant issued by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics trafficking and related economic crimes.

Acun Ilıcalı (left) and Esat Yontunc (right)

Yontunç, a lifelong associate and top lieutenant of media tycoon Acun Ilıcalı, was abroad when the warrant was initially issued. Prior to his return, Yontunç issued a statement via social media asserting his innocence: “I have never had any involvement with such matters in my life. My forehead is clear [I am innocent]; I trust myself and will return to my country on the first available flight.”

Upon landing in Istanbul, Yontunç was taken into custody by the Narcotics and Economic Crimes Investigation Bureau for questioning.

A Pattern of Legal Pressure: The Haydar Acun Precedent

The detention of Yontunç is being viewed by market observers as part of a wider net being cast around the inner circle of the Acun Medya empire. This development follows the high-profile case of  Acun Ilıcalı, a self-made media tycoon who rose from humble travel vlogger to own a media empire.

The Rise of Acun Ilıcalı: From “Acun Firarda” to Global Power

Acun Ilıcalı’s journey is the quintessential “self-made” story of the Turkish media landscape. Starting as a sports reporter, he gained national fame with his travel show Acun Firarda, before founding Acun Medya in 2004.

Over the last two decades, Ilıcalı has transformed the Turkish television industry by securing the regional rights to massive global formats like Fear Factor, Survivor, The Voice, and Got Talent. His business model—centralizing production in the Dominican Republic and Mexico to serve multiple international markets—has turned Acun Medya into a major exporter of content, with Ilıcalı often described as the “Simon Cowell of Turkey.”

Synopsis of Acun Medya Assets

The detention of a top-tier executive like Yontunç raises questions about the operational stability of a conglomerate that now spans multiple continents and industries:

• Broadcasting (TV8 & TV8.5): Ilıcalı’s acquisition of TV8 in 2013 turned a minor news channel into a ratings juggernaut. It serves as the primary engine for his reality TV ecosystem.

• Digital Platforms (Exxen): Launched in 2021, this SVOD platform holds the Turkish broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League, marking Ilıcalı’s intent to dominate digital sports media.

• Sports Ownership (Hull City AFC & Shelbourne FC): Ilıcalı’s entry into English football with the purchase of Hull City in 2022 was a landmark move. He has since expanded his “multi-club” strategy to include the Irish side Shelbourne FC, aiming to create a player-development pipeline.

• International Production: Acun Medya produces Survivor for countries including Greece, Romania, Mexico, and Brazil, making it one of the largest independent production houses in the world.

A Critical Juncture

The investigation comes at a time when Ilıcalı has been increasingly visible in both the political and economic spheres. As the “General Coordinator,” Esat Yontunç is not merely an employee but the operational architect of Ilıcalı’s vision.

While the investigation is currently focused on narcotics and economic crimes, the legal pressure on the inner circle of Acun Medya could have far-reaching consequences for the group’s international brand, particularly its standing with the English Football League (EFL) and global advertisers. Ilıcalı has yet to make a formal statement, but the eyes of the market remain fixed on how the “Boss” handles the most significant legal challenge to his inner circle to date.