30.08.2026 20:40
The claim of a 20 million TL extortion and threat against the family of Veli Ağbaba, the new party's deputy from Malatya, was uncovered in a police operation. It was alleged that the suspects, who called Ağbaba's driver and the manager of the family's hotel via international lines, threatened to shoot up the hotel if the money was not paid. Four suspects detained within the scope of the investigation have been arrested.
Four suspects were arrested as part of the investigation into the alleged blackmail and threats against the family of New Party Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba. It was alleged that the suspects contacted Ağbaba's driver and the manager of the family-owned Melid Hotel via overseas phone lines, demanding a 20 million TL extortion payment, and threatened to shoot up the hotel if the money was not paid.
THEY DEMANDED 20 MILLION TL EXTORTION VIA OVERSEAS LINE
According to the information obtained, the incident came to light on August 24, 2026, when Veli Ağbaba's driver Faruk Can Güler and Melid Hotel Manager Yunus Emre Ağbaba applied to the police.
According to the allegations, in their conversations over WhatsApp, the suspects introduced themselves as drug dealer "Uğur Can Gündoğmuş." The suspect claimed that he had sold cocaine to Ağbaba's nephew Ahmet Can Ağbaba, that he had collected 5 million TL, but that there was an additional 20 million TL owed to him.
The suspect demanded that this money be paid by Veli Ağbaba and his family members. If the money was not paid, he threatened to damage the Ağbaba family's Melid Hotel in Malatya.
CAUGHT WITH AN ARSENAL, CONTINUED THE BLACKMAIL
In the threats, it was alleged that Doğukan Şengezen was sent from Istanbul to Malatya to carry out the act.
As a result of police work, it was determined that Şengezen, who was apprehended, had 10 separate arrest records for intentional killing, drug trafficking, theft, and possession of unlicensed firearms.
In the search of the suspect's residence, 2 Glock brand pistols, a pistol auto-sear, numerous magazines, and various narcotics were seized.
"WE HAVE OTHER MEN IN MALATYA TOO"
Within the scope of the investigation, it was alleged that the suspect, considered to be the gang leader, contacted the Ağbaba family again after Doğukan Şengezen's apprehension.
It was claimed that the suspect held the family responsible for his man's capture and continued his threats and blackmail by saying, "We have other men in Malatya too, if you don't pay the money, we will harm you."
SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION AT 3 ADDRESSES
A simultaneous operation was carried out at 3 different addresses identified during the police investigation.
In the operation, Mehmet Hasar, Yusuf Solmaz, and Yasin Karacan, identified as acting together with Doğukan Şengezen, were also taken into custody.
In the searches conducted at the addresses, mobile phones with overseas lines, considered to be used in the extortion traffic, and 38 thousand TL in cash were seized.
4 SUSPECTS ARRESTED
After their procedures at the police station, Doğukan Şengezen, Mehmet Hasar, Yusuf Solmaz, and Yasin Karacan were referred to the courthouse and were arrested by the Criminal Judgeship of Peace, then sent to prison.
It was reported that the investigation into the incident continues.