18.07.2026 12:30
The waters are not settling in the Ahbap Association investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering Crime Investigation Bureau. Alper Çelik, who stood by Haluk Levent for about 20 years, turned all the arrows towards the famous name in his statement as a suspect. Claiming that all financial transactions, from millions of lira bets to suspicious money transfers, were carried out on Haluk Levent's instructions, Çelik wanted to benefit from active remorse.
In the scope of the Ahbap Association investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Bureau for Investigation of Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering, the statements given by suspect Alper Çelik opened a new chapter in the file.
BESIDE HALUK LEVENT FOR 20 YEARS
Çelik, who stated he has been with Haluk Levent for about 20 years, said he took part in the establishment process of the Ahbap Association in 2017 but left the association in 2021. While claiming he has no knowledge of the association's financial operations, he stated that his own bank accounts were used according to Haluk Levent's instructions.
In his testimony, Çelik said, "He would tell me what to do, and I would do it," asserting that the money transfers occurred without his initiative. He stated that money was sent from the bank accounts to betting sites, stock market platforms, and various individuals, and claimed these transactions were carried out under Haluk Levent's direction.
MONEY TRANSFER EXPLANATIONS DREW ATTENTION
According to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reports included in the file, significant money movements inconsistent with Alper Çelik's financial profile were detected in his accounts starting from 2020. The report noted hundreds of cash deposits and withdrawals, as well as thousands of wire transfers/EFT transactions in Çelik's accounts. It was recorded that the descriptions of the money transfers included terms such as "debt," "debt repayment," "Ahbap debt," "debt for Haluk," and similar expressions.
Çelik stated that he asked Haluk Levent about these descriptions and was told that the money in question was borrowed from friends. He said part of the incoming money was used for betting, stock market, and various debt payments.
"HALUK LEVENT WAS PLACING THE BETS"
One of the most striking topics in the testimony was the betting allegations. Alper Çelik stated that the betting accounts opened in his name were used by Haluk Levent. He said he deposited money into some betting platforms and that the bets were placed on Haluk Levent's instructions. According to MASAK findings in the file, there was high-volume activity in deposits and withdrawals to a gambling company, and it was understood from communication with the relevant company that bets worth millions of liras were placed.
Regarding these transactions, Çelik testified, "Depositing the money was done on his orders; all the bets placed belonged to him."
"HE HAD ME BUY FOREIGN CURRENCY FROM THE GRAND BAZAAR"
Çelik also recounted in his testimony that he was sent to the Grand Bazaar from time to time, where he received foreign currency or Turkish lira from certain individuals, and later deposited this money into accounts. Stating that he did not know the source of this money, Çelik said part of the funds was used in stock market and betting transactions, and the remainder for various payments.
Additionally, Çelik was asked about money transfers made to a company named Merit Kıbrıs Turizm Limited. He stated that when Haluk Levent went to Cyprus, he asked Çelik to deposit money into that account, and he did not know the purpose for which the money was used.
"AHBAP-RELATED INVOICES AND EDUCATION PACKAGE"
The investigation file also includes wiretapped recordings featuring conversations about the Ahbap Association, invoices, an education package, and disputes among certain individuals. In his statement regarding these conversations, Çelik explained that an education package project targeting schools and tutoring centers through "Kunduz Eğitim" was intended to be implemented, especially in earthquake zones, in cooperation with the Ahbap Association. He said the parties had met with Haluk Levent, but a dispute later arose. Çelik noted that the invoice discussions were related to invoices to be issued within the scope of this education package.
HE SOUGHT TO BENEFIT FROM EFFECTIVE REMORSE
In both his police and prosecutor statements, Alper Çelik expressed his wish to benefit from the provisions of effective remorse and did not accept the charges. Arguing that he was also a victim both materially and morally, Çelik testified that he performed all transactions on Haluk Levent's instructions.
Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, MASAK reports, bank transactions, suspect statements, and digital material examinations are being evaluated together. The investigation continues in multiple directions.