World · Middle East · 12 hrs ago
12 people detained in Turkey money-laundering investigation
Turkish authorities detained 12 people in a money-laundering investigation linked to Mustafa Sarıgül, a politician and former Şişli mayor.
Among those detained were Sofu Altınbaş, head of Altınbaş Holding, and Temel Aygün, a senior executive at Titanic Hotels.
Prosecutors are investigating alleged laundering of money tied to bribery and property development during Sarıgül's time as mayor.
A witness has alleged that Altınbaş family businesses and property investments were used to move money into the financial system, but these claims have not been proven.
The investigation also concerns allegations involving German businessmen and a disputed property sale.
Three other suspects were recently jailed, bringing the total number of people in custody to 19, according to one report.
The 12 newly detained people are in police custody, and the next steps in their cases were not specified.
Turkish authorities detained 12 people in a money-laundering investigation linked to Mustafa Sarıgül and his family.
Among those detained were Altınbaş Holding chairman Sofu Altınbaş and Titanic Hotels vice-chairman Temel Aygün.
The investigation concerns allegations that money from property-development projects during Sarıgül’s time as Şişli mayor was laundered through companies and real estate.
Sabah reported that three suspects in the investigation were recently arrested, bringing the total number of people held in pretrial detention to 19.
The allegations reported by the outlets have not been established as facts.
- Who
- Turkish authorities detained 12 people, including Sofu Altınbaş and Temel Aygün.
- What
- The detentions are part of a money-laundering investigation linked to Mustafa Sarıgül and his family.
- When
- The reports were published on October 24, 2026.
- Where
- Istanbul, Turkey.
- Why
- Prosecutors are investigating allegations of laundering assets derived from crime, including alleged proceeds from property-development projects.
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Sixteen suspects, including Emir Sarıgül and Ömer Sarıgül, had been arrested, according to Sabah.
Cihan Tunç, Çağlar Sezgin and Ümit İlker Avcı were arrested, according to both reports.
Authorities detained 12 people in the latest operation, including Sofu Altınbaş and Temel Aygün.
Sabah reported that the total number of people in pretrial detention had risen to 19.
- People detained in latest operation
- 12
- Named detainees
- Sofu Altınbaş and Temel Aygün
- Earlier arrests reported by Sabah
- 16 suspects
- Additional arrests reported
- Cihan Tunç, Çağlar Sezgin and Ümit İlker Avcı
- Total in pretrial detention reported by Sabah
- 19