24.11.2025 21:12
In the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the "Paramount Hotel" issue, which came to the forefront with the allegations of Sedat Peker, businessman Cihan Ekşioğlu has been released from custody on charges of 'money laundering derived from criminal activity.' However, Ekşioğlu will continue to remain in prison under the accusation of 'usury.'
The "Paramount Hotel" allegations, which came to the fore with the claims of Sedat Peker located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), led to an investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding "money laundering from crime," "establishing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime," and "usury." Last month, a detention order was issued for 7 individuals, including businessman Cihan Ekşioğlu and Sezgin Baran Korkmaz, who is known to be in the USA.
3 ARRESTS Five individuals who were detained and brought to the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan on October 18; Cihan Ekşioğlu, Çağlar Şendil, and Sinan Görkem Gökçe were arrested, Şaban Kayıkçı was placed under house arrest, and Melike Yüksel was referred to the court with a travel ban and signature requirement. The Peace Criminal Court made a decision in line with the request, and Ekşioğlu, Şendil, and Gökçe were arrested.
RELEASE OF CİHAN EKŞİOĞLU According to the information obtained, Ekşioğlu's lawyers filed an objection to the Peace Criminal Court for the removal of his detention. The prosecution requested the continuation of the detention, and the court rejected the objection. While the court decided to continue the detention, the lawyers appealed to the higher court, which is the criminal court of first instance. The prosecution again provided an opinion for the continuation of the detention. However, the Criminal Court of First Instance issued a release decision regarding the charges other than 'usury.'
Cihan Ekşioğlu INVESTIGATION CONTINUES On the other hand, it was reported that the investigation regarding Ekşioğlu and other suspects, who are still in prison due to the charge of "usury," is ongoing.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office made the following statement during the detention process: "The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Smuggling, Narcotics, and Economic Crimes Investigation Bureau has conducted an investigation against the suspects Sezgin Baran KORKMAZ, Cihan EKŞİOĞLU, Çağlar ŞENDİL, Melike YÜKSEL, Sinan Görkem GÖKÇE, Şaban KAYIKCI, and Alpan Keskin for taking advantage of the complainant Ufuk Tourism Enterprises San. Tic. A.Ş.'s financial difficulties, incurring debts to companies managed by the complainant in 2019 and thereafter, and providing this debt to the complainant company by receiving interest. Additionally, it was claimed that they acquired the superior rights of the hotel currently known as The Plaza Bodrum (formerly Jumeirah Hotel, Paramount Hotel, Be Premium Hotel) located in the Torba district of Bodrum, Muğla, and operated the hotel with suspect Cihan Ekşioğlu and suspect Şaban Kayıkçı; within the framework of the investigation conducted for the crimes of Establishing an Organization for the Purpose of Committing a Crime, Usury, and Money Laundering from Crime, the following suspects have been apprehended:
1- Cihan EKŞİOĞLU
2- Çağlar ŞENDİL
3- Melike YÜKSEL
4- Sinan GÖRKEM GÖKÇE
5- Şaban KAYIKCI
These suspects were detained following searches conducted at their residences and vehicles. The investigation is being carried out meticulously, taking into account the confidentiality of the investigation."