BREAKING: Fifth operation targeting Ahbap launched, 53 detained across 20 provinces, minister says

A fifth operation targeting the Ahbap Association has begun across 20 Turkish provinces, with detention orders issued for 53 people, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said. The Istanbul-led operation focuses on allegations that donations collected after the February 6 earthquakes were misused.

The investigation is examining donations raised through Ahbap for people affected by the earthquakes, which caused loss of life and property. Investigators are reviewing reports from Interior Ministry inspectors, private audit reports, the association’s inventory and financial records, its statements about spending, bank transactions, new testimony that includes confessions, and other evidence.

The investigation found that Ahbap collected 4.3 billion liras between February 6 and December 31, 2023, for delivery to earthquake victims. It also found that 950 million liras was withdrawn in cash over a three-and-a-half-month period. One cash withdrawal amounted to 500 million liras in a single transaction. In total, investigators identified 4.2 billion liras in outflows.

More than 2 billion liras of the donations was recorded as spending on housing projects. Investigators said the amount appeared highly suspicious compared with the number and quality of the homes and schools built. An expert panel formed within the Housing Development Administration, under the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation, began examining the housing and school spending.

A second expert panel is reviewing claims that more than 1 billion liras went toward goods and services. It will assess whether the goods or services were actually received and whether the transactions followed commercial practices. The investigation also identified high-value spending for which it found no corresponding return, according to the report.

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We will not tolerate any attempt to turn the great suffering our nation experienced in the February 6 earthquakes, citizens’ spirit of solidarity and donations made for earthquake victims into personal gain.