17.05.2026 19:10
Journalist Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, detained as part of an investigation into illegal betting and money laundering, requested his release during his testimony. Kütahyalı stated that his pregnant wife is under great stress due to the ongoing process, saying, "I fear she may have a miscarriage." He also claimed that his 12-year-old twin daughters are being subjected to peer bullying in their social environment and expressed his desire to reunite with his family as soon as possible.
The 244-page statement given by journalist Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, who was detained as part of an investigation into illegal gambling and money laundering, has been revealed. Answering questions about the money movements in his account, Kütahyalı claimed that the transfers stemmed from commercial credit transactions and money exchanges with his close circle.
It has been learned that Kütahyalı, who was among those detained in simultaneous operations across 21 provinces as part of the investigation led by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, denied the charges against him during his interrogation. As part of the operation, a broad investigation is being conducted into allegations of "illegal gambling," "qualified fraud," "bribery," and "money laundering."
"MONEY MOVEMENTS DUE TO DEBT-CREDIT RELATIONSHIP"
In his statement, Kütahyalı asserted that the money inflows and outflows in his bank account were not linked to proceeds of crime, saying, "The money movements in question are funds sent as payment for my receivables. They were sent as loan repayments. I have no connection to the alleged crimes whatsoever."
While MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) reviews reportedly identified millions of liras worth of activity in Kütahyalı's accounts, it was stated that a detailed examination of the source of the money transfers is ongoing in the investigation file.
EMOTIONAL DEFENSE
It has been learned that Kütahyalı emphasized his family in his defense. Requesting his release, Kütahyalı reportedly used the following statements:
"My wife is pregnant and cries every day. I am afraid she might miscarry. My two 12-year-old daughters have been experiencing peer bullying for two days and have been crying all day because the media is spreading fabricated news about me. I want to reunite with my pregnant wife and my two daughters as soon as possible."
OPERATION INVOLVES HUNDREDS OF SUSPECTS
It was announced that legal proceedings have been initiated against approximately 200 suspects as part of the Adana-centered operation, which reportedly covers financial movements linked to illegal gambling networks. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek had stated that it is estimated that approximately 100 billion TL and 2 billion dollars in proceeds from crime were laundered within the financial system in these operations.