Authorities seize 1.54 billion lira in Antalya money-laundering probe

Turkish authorities found 1.54 billion lira in a search at a business in Antalya as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering.

The probe concerns a group that authorities believe was led by Mehmet Fatih Tançalan, known publicly as “Vanlı Kara Haydar.”

Earlier, searches of two cars in Istanbul found euros and US dollars valued at about 934 million lira at the time.

Including the Antalya cash, the announced lira value of money seized in the case is about 2.48 billion lira.

Investigators are checking where the money came from and whether some of the seized foreign banknotes are fake.

The case began after a person alleged that Tançalan used displays of large amounts of cash to gain trust and take money; these claims have not been established in the information provided.

Nine suspects, including Hakkı Doğan, have been jailed, while another suspect is under judicial supervision.

Investigators are continuing to examine financial transfers, possible links and whether other people may have been affected.