14.07.2026 21:51
The investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the Ahbap Association continues. Haluk Levent, the founder and president of the association who is in custody and whose statement began to be taken in the afternoon, did not continue to testify, claiming that his words were not recorded in the minutes. Levent exercised his right to remain silent, stating that he would not answer other questions.
New developments continue in the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the Ahbap Association.
HE EXERCISED THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT
In line with the investigation, a striking post was made on the social media account of the association's founder and president, Haluk Levent, who was detained in Bursa by teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Financial Crimes Branch on charges of "violation of the associations law," "money laundering of criminal proceeds," and "membership in an organization."
According to the post, Levent, who began giving his statement at the police station during the afternoon hours, stopped giving his statement, claiming that his words were not recorded. Levent stated that he would not answer other questions and exercised his right to remain silent.
14 MORE PEOPLE WERE DETAINED
Meanwhile, as the interrogations of 22 suspects continued at the police station, the prosecutor's office ordered a new operation. In this context, an operation was conducted in the provinces of Istanbul, Izmir, Kocaeli, and Mugla by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command's Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch. 14 suspects were detained. Search, seizure, and apprehension operations were carried out at the addresses of the suspects and 4 companies. Digital materials were also seized during the searches.
MINISTER GURLEK: THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT TO FLEE
Responding to journalists' questions after the cabinet meeting, Minister of Justice Akin Gurlek stated that Haluk Levent was detained on Sunday after an attempt to flee despite a previous "ban on leaving the country" imposed on him.