200 Kilograms of Gold Seized in Türkiye Investigation

Türkiye Seizes 200 Kilograms of Gold Bars in Sect Investigation

Turkish police have seized 200 kilograms of gold bars as part of an investigation into money laundering involving an organized crime group allegedly headed by Alihan Kuriş, the leader of the Süleymancılar religious group.

According to Turkish media reports, the gold bars were discovered during a search of the home of Kuriş’s brother. The gold is estimated to be worth 1.34 billion Turkish liras, or around $28 million. Authorities have not yet established the origin of the gold.

Dozens of Suspects Detained

Turkish media also reported that 32 of the 38 people detained on August 13, including the alleged leader of the group, have been arrested by court order. Six other suspects were released under judicial supervision.

Turkey’s Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi previously said that the Ankara Prosecutor’s Office had issued detention warrants for 43 people as part of the investigation. Some of the people sought by authorities are reportedly abroad.

External administrators have also been appointed to companies allegedly controlled by the group.

Investigation Into the Süleymancılar Group

Süleymancılar is an influential religious group in Türkiye. It was established in the middle of the twentieth century and is reported to have significant financial resources both in Türkiye and abroad.

The group operates Quran study courses and has an extensive network of affiliated organizations.

The origin of the seized gold has not yet been established, and the investigation remains ongoing.