18.06.2026 13:30
Erhan Karaal, Deputy General Manager of IBB Culture Inc., was kidnapped by unidentified individuals from in front of his home in Istanbul. It was learned that Karaal was attacked by three people as he was leaving his house, neutralized, and then placed into a vehicle. While the police have launched an investigation into the incident, it was stated that security camera footage of the kidnapping moment is being examined. A written statement on the matter was also issued by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Erhan Karaal, Deputy General Manager of Kültür A.Ş., affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, was abducted by unidentified individuals in front of his home in Istanbul. According to information reported by journalist Timur Soykan, no news has been received from Karaal for approximately 14 hours.
ATTACKED IN FRONT OF HIS HOME
According to allegations, the incident occurred yesterday evening around 21:00 in Maltepe. Erhan Karaal, who was leaving his home with his family to go on a visit, was attacked by three individuals who got out of another vehicle while he was waiting by his car. It was claimed that Karaal was forcibly put into the vehicle after being beaten.
A BLACK BAG WAS PLACED OVER HIS HEAD
According to the information reported about the incident, the assailants subdued Karaal and then placed him in the vehicle. In some claims, it was alleged that a black bag was placed over Karaal's head.
HIS CHILD AND NEIGHBOR WERE WITNESSES
One of the most striking details regarding the abduction claim is the identities of the witnesses to the incident. According to allegations, Karaal's child and a neighbor saw what happened. Following the incident, Karaal's wife went to the police station and filed a complaint.
DETAIL OF THE VEHICLE WITH A COPIED LICENSE PLATE
According to allegations, a notable detail emerged during the examination of the vehicle used in Karaal's abduction. It was claimed that a vehicle similar in model and color to another car in the same street, with a copied license plate, was used in the incident.
POLICE LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION
According to information reported by Sözcü TV, police teams have launched an investigation into the incident. It was learned that security camera footage of the abduction moment is being examined, and search efforts are ongoing to locate Karaal.