Breaking: Justice minister announces fifth wave of operation targeting Ahbap Foundation

Turkey has launched a fifth wave of operations targeting the Ahbap Foundation, founded and led by singer Haluk Levent, in an investigation into the handling of earthquake donations. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said authorities issued detention orders for 53 people across 20 provinces.

The operation was coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and carried out by Istanbul police. Gürlek said investigators relied on inspection reports from the Interior Ministry, independent audit reports, the foundation’s financial records and inventory, bank transactions, expert examinations and statements from suspects who had benefited from effective repentance provisions.

Authorities determined that the foundation collected 4.3 billion Turkish lira for earthquake victims between Feb. 6 and Dec. 31, 2023. They said 4.2 billion lira was spent and 950 million lira was withdrawn in cash, including a single withdrawal of 500 million lira. Investigators also identified transfers totaling 1.757 billion lira to 29 companies and seven sole proprietorships.

The investigation found that some high-value expenditures had no corresponding purchase of goods or services, that individuals gained personal benefit from transporting aid, and that some aid delivered to public institutions fell short of the quantities listed on invoices.

In warehouses in İzmit, authorities found hundreds of tents, wheelchairs, electric bicycles, stationery items and other supplies obtained for earthquake victims still unused. Officials began the necessary procedures to deliver the materials to those entitled to receive them. Gürlek said, "We will not tolerate any attempt to turn the great pain suffered by our people in the Feb. 6 earthquakes, the solidarity of our citizens and donations made for earthquake victims into personal gain."

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We will not tolerate any attempt to turn the great pain suffered by our people in the Feb. 6 earthquakes, the solidarity of our citizens and donations made for earthquake victims into personal gain.