Former Governor Arrested in Doku Case Amassed Dozens of Properties, Businesses

An investigation into the assets of Tuncay Sonel, the former governor arrested in connection with the disappearance of university student Gülistan Doku, has revealed a vast property portfolio. Sonel, who faces charges of obstructing and concealing evidence in the Doku case, allegedly amassed dozens of real estate properties and vehicles.

According to a report based on records from the Revenue Administration and the Land Registry and Cadastre Information System, Sonel is registered as the owner of 52 real estate properties and two vehicles. A particularly striking financial transaction occurred on December 28, 2022, when over twenty businesses and a wedding hall, located on a single plot in Adana's Sarıçam district, were registered under Sonel's name within the same day.

The accumulation of such significant commercial real estate holdings in a single day by Sonel, who was the provincial governor at the time, has raised serious questions, particularly as Gülistan Doku's family continues to seek justice. Sonel's other properties are located in prime real estate areas across Turkey, including Esenyurt in Istanbul, Çankaya in Ankara, and various land parcels in Ankara.

While the investigation into Doku's whereabouts continues, Sonel's immense wealth, seemingly impossible to explain on a civil servant's salary, has emerged as another point of concern. The findings highlight potential issues regarding the line between public influence and property investment, especially given the legal requirement for public officials to declare their assets and justify their income.