Istanbul Drug and Prostitution Ring Investigation: Actress, Venue Operators Implicated
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A new wave of operations in Istanbul has exposed the background of a drug and prostitution investigation targeting famous personalities.
- Prosecutors revealed suspicious financial transactions and messages between an actress and a detained suspect, strengthening prostitution allegations.
- The owner of the 'Kรผtรผphane' venue admitted to using cannabis, while other testimonies indicated drug use at the establishment.
Istanbul's nightlife scene has once again been implicated in a major criminal investigation, as a new phase of operations targeting drug and prostitution rings has brought prominent figures into the spotlight. Sabah's reporting delves into the details emerging from prosecutor interviews, revealing a complex web of alleged illicit activities involving social media influencers, actors, and venue operators.
Buddy, we'll split it 100-100.
The investigation has focused on two popular venues, 'Kรผtรผphane' and 'Terapy.' Key evidence includes financial transfers and text messages exchanged between actress Aleyna Bozok and a detained suspect, Yiฤit Macit. Prosecutors highlighted a message where Macit allegedly offered Bozok a share of 200,000 Turkish Lira, stating, "Kanka 100-100 bรถlรผลรผrรผz" (Buddy, we'll split it 100-100), which has significantly bolstered prostitution allegations. Bozok, however, claims the money was a loan due to her financial difficulties and illness.
I was very scared. I won't do anything with anyone for money. I don't want to embarrass you.
Further complicating the picture, Macit is also accused of arranging male companions for Bozok, with messages suggesting he told her, "Atilla abi will protect and look after you here for 4 months. He is the king of Bodrum, single, and influential everywhere." Bozok expressed fear about her career and stated she would not engage in such activities for money, not wanting to embarrass Macit.
Atilla abi will protect and look after you here for 4 months. He is the king of Bodrum, single, and influential everywhere.
Adding to the revelations, Deniz Metin Yรผksel, the operator of 'Terapy,' confessed to using cannabis, which he procured through Telegram groups. Meanwhile, Ali Yaลar Koz, the owner of 'Kรผtรผphane,' denied allegations of drug use at his establishment, despite eight individuals testifying that drugs were consumed there. Koz claimed he would have known if such activities were taking place. The investigation underscores the dark underbelly of Istanbul's entertainment industry, where alleged drug use, prostitution, and financial impropriety intersect with the lives of public figures.
I confess to using cannabis. I obtained the substance through Telegram groups.
Originally published by Sabah in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.