World · Middle East · 6 hrs ago
Six people face detention orders in Istanbul money-laundering investigation
Istanbul prosecutors ordered six people detained in an investigation into alleged money laundering and threats.
The case involves journalist Murat Ağırel, two sons of Turkish lawmaker Mustafa Sarıgül, and three other people.
Two German citizens allege that companies in Turkey and abroad were used to handle large sums of money from unclear sources.
They cite an €80 million contract, a €100 million transfer, a promised plan to move a €1 billion fund abroad as a loan, and a €1.5 million boat sale.
The allegations are not established as fact, and prosecutors say they considered the complainants’ statements, audio and video recordings, and other evidence.
The complainants say they gave information to Ağırel and were threatened after it was passed on to others.
Five of the six named people were reported detained, while the reports do not confirm that Emir Sarıgül was among them.
Claims involving Mustafa Sarıgül were sent to prosecutors in Ankara, and the Istanbul investigation is continuing.
Turkish journalist Murat Ağırel and four other people were detained in Istanbul in a money-laundering investigation, according to Milliyet.
Authorities issued detention orders for six people, including Ağırel and two sons of lawmaker Mustafa Sarıgül.
The investigation followed allegations by two German citizens involving large sums handled through companies in Turkey and abroad.
The complainants said they gave information and documents to Ağırel and were threatened after the material was passed to others.
Allegations concerning Mustafa Sarıgül are to be sent to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for separate assessment.
- Who
- Journalist Murat Ağırel and five others were named in detention orders; Milliyet reported that Ağırel and four others were detained.
- What
- Authorities are investigating allegations of laundering large sums of money through companies in Turkey and abroad.
- When
- The detentions were reported on October 16, 2026; Ağırel was taken into custody in the morning.
- Where
- The investigation and reported detentions are in Istanbul, Turkey. Allegations concerning Mustafa Sarıgül are to be referred to Ankara.
- Why
- Two German complainants alleged money laundering and said they were threatened after information they gave to Ağırel was shared with others.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Authorities began an investigation after two German citizens alleged that large sums were being laundered through companies in Turkey and abroad.
Ağırel was detained and taken to Istanbul Police Department; authorities also ordered the detention of five other people.
Authorities said allegations concerning Mustafa Sarıgül would be sent to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for separate assessment.
- Detention orders
- 6 people
- Reported detained
- Murat Ağırel and 4 others, according to Milliyet
- Contract alleged
- 80 million euros
- Transfer alleged
- 100 million euros
- Fund allegedly involved
- 1 billion euros
- Boat sale alleged
- 1.5 million euros
5 sources
Ağırel, Sarıgül ve 4 kişi gözaltında
SON DAKİKA... Mustafa Sarıgül'ün oğlu Ömer Sarıgül ve Emir Sarıgül ile Aylin Kotil hakkında gözaltı kararı
Kara para aklama iddiası: Murat Ağırel, Aylin Kotil ve Ömer Sarıgül hakkında gözaltı kararı
Son dakika... İstanbul'da para aklama soruşturması: Murat Ağırel, Emir Sarıgül ve Aylin Kotil için gözaltı kararı
Sabah operasyonunda yeni gözaltı kararları
What people are saying
I am used to being detained because of a story I did, but being detained for a story I did not do is a first. Thank God!