16.08.2026 16:20
The group led by the arrested Alihan Kuris has been filmed at a massive 70 million euro facility under construction in Cologne, Germany. It has emerged that the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility was attended by local Cologne officials, former Cologne Mayor Fritz Schramma, representatives of the Müngersdorf Citizens' Association, the pastor of the neighboring Catholic church, and representatives of the architectural team.
Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the Alihan Kuriş criminal organization established for profit, 32 people, including Alihan Kuriş, were arrested, and a judicial control decision was issued for 6 people.
In the investigation, it was determined that Kuriş and his family owned a total of 191 real estate properties, and during the operations, the center of the group operating under the name 'Islamic Cultural Centers Union (VIKZ)' in Germany, whose construction is ongoing and to which all activities are expected to be relocated upon completion, was filmed.
HUGE FACILITY WORTH 70 MILLION
The complex, built on an area of approximately 12,600 square meters and worth approximately 70 million euros, is expected to become one of the most important centers of VIKZ in Germany once completed.
17 THOUSAND SQUARE METERS OF USABLE SPACE
The foundation of the complex, laid on March 14, 2023, on the 50th anniversary of VIKZ's establishment, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027. The center, which will have a usable area of 17,763 square meters, is planned to include administrative units, training and meeting halls, a prayer room, a student dormitory, a guesthouse, a restaurant, a library, and social areas. The project's gross floor area is stated to be approximately 32,800 square meters. The center is planned to have a worship area for 881 people, a student dormitory with 231 beds, a guesthouse with 114 beds, and a parking lot for 172 vehicles.
FORMER COLOGNE MAYOR ALSO ATTENDED THE OPENING
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by VIKZ President Ali Yılmaz and board members, as well as local administrators of Cologne, former Mayor of Cologne Fritz Schramma, representatives of the Müngersdorf Citizens' Association, the pastor of the neighboring Catholic church, and representatives of the architectural team. It is stated that the financing of the huge complex is provided through member contributions, donations, and loans.
WAS IT BUILT TO LAUNDER MONEY?
Meanwhile, within the scope of the investigation into the Alihan Kuriş criminal organization established for profit, allegations that the center building under construction in Cologne was used to launder money are also being investigated.