23.07.2026 13:10
Famous journalist Fatih Portakal gave a statement as part of the Ahbap investigation. In his statement, Portakal said, "I regret at this point because I had such trust in the donations to be made to this association. I feel a sense of responsibility. If an apology is necessary, I am ready to apologize on this matter."
In the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the "Ahbaplar Criminal Organization," Fatih Portakal, who was interviewed, admitted that during the earthquake period, he made broadcasts encouraging donations to the Ahbap Association. Portakal stated that he was aware of past rumors about Haluk Levent regarding "bad checks" but did not investigate them, and he expressed self-criticism by noting that he felt no need to monitor how the donations were used. "I am also angry at myself about this," "I regret where we are now," and "I am ready to apologize," Portakal said, adding that he felt a sense of responsibility upon learning about the financial transactions under investigation.
HE DIRECTED TO AHBAP, EXPRESSED REGRET AT THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
As part of the investigation numbered 2025/284884 into the "Ahbaplar Criminal Organization" conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Bureau for the Investigation of Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering Crimes, journalist and presenter Fatih Portakal was interviewed. When asked by the prosecutor's office about his broadcasts and aid appeals following the February 6 earthquakes, Portakal admitted that he had stated donations could be made to the Ahbap Association. However, he also claimed that his broadcasts included the lists of needs announced by AFAD and the Red Crescent.
While asserting that his aim was to bridge those wishing to help and the earthquake victims, Portakal clearly stated that he did not monitor the activities of the Ahbap Association or the fate of the collected donations.
HE HEARD NEGATIVE RUMORS BUT DID NOT INVESTIGATE
One of the most striking details in Fatih Portakal's testimony was his statement that he had received negative rumors about Haluk Levent in the past. Portakal, noting that he has been in the media sector for many years, explained that he had heard rumors about "bad checks" regarding Haluk Levent but did not investigate these claims in detail.
Despite this, Portakal attributed his statements in favor of the Ahbap Association during the earthquake period to the association's positive public perception and Haluk Levent being seen as a reliable figure at the time.
"I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE THE MONEY WAS SPENT"
Portakal stated that while making statements in favor of the Ahbap Association, he had no concrete information about how the collected donations were used, and he admitted that he felt no need to monitor these expenditures at the time.
Portakal used the following words in his testimony: "While I was making statements in favor of this association, I did not have concrete information about where the collected money was subsequently spent, and under the conditions of the day, I did not feel the need to monitor it."
Portakal, who said he is a journalist who encourages questioning of people and institutions, criticized himself for not showing the same questioning attitude regarding Ahbap: "I am also angry at myself about this. Because by nature, I am a person who urges others to question."
"I REGRET TRUSTING IT THIS MUCH"
Portakal expressed regret today for his broadcasts during the earthquake period due to the trust he placed in the Ahbap Association. Stating that he did not question the magnitude of the donations or how they were used while making statements in favor of Ahbap, Portakal made the following self-criticism: "I regret where we are now because I trusted this much regarding the donations to be made to this association."
Considering the large amount of aid collected, Portakal noted that he could have asked Haluk Levent to account for it but admitted he did not: "I could have advised this person to be accountable regarding where he spent the collected money and asked him to explain it, but I did not do that."
"I FEEL A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY"
Portakal stated that he learned of the allegations about how the collected aid was used in the scope of the investigation and said he feels a sense of responsibility for what happened.
In his testimony to the prosecutor's office, Portakal noted: "When I saw how the collected aid was used, as it is subject to the investigation, I frankly feel a sense of responsibility about this."
"I AM READY TO APOLOGIZE"
Fatih Portakal also stated that he is ready to apologize for his statements that contributed to building trust in Ahbap. Portakal expressed his regret with these words: "Therefore, if an apology is necessary, I am ready to apologize on this matter."
Portakal noted that he had previously expressed his regret and apology in an article titled "Whom to Trust" and claimed that he did not personally donate to the Ahbap Association.
Portakal explained that he has no business or personal closeness with Haluk Levent and Oğuzhan Uğur and asserted that he did not derive any benefit from these individuals.
HE SAID HE DID NOT DONATE TO AHBAP
Portakal stated that although he highlighted the Ahbap Association in his broadcasts, he did not make any donation to the association himself. He said he delivered his aid directly to those in need and noted that he had never met Haluk Levent in person, only possibly having a few phone conversations in the past.
The investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office continues, with testimonies and evidence being examined.