On October 19, 2026, Turkish authorities launched a sweeping operation that sent shockwaves through the country’s political and religious circles. The target: a criminal network led by Alihan Kuriş, a figure whose name had become synonymous with controversy. The operation, coordinated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals and placed 5 others under legal supervision. This marked a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into Kuriş’s activities, which had long been suspected of exploiting religious associations for financial gain.
The network’s reach was vast, operating through 2,082 associations across Turkey. But this was no ordinary criminal enterprise. The group, known as the Süleymancılar, had deep ties to Islamic cultural centers, using them as hubs for coordination and influence. Their ambitions extended beyond Turkey’s borders, with plans to establish a new base in Germany, leveraging large Islamic centers there to expand their operations.
The operation, carried out by the Ankara Provincial Police Directorate and the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, was meticulously planned. Out of 38 suspects identified, 24 were detained and brought before the court. Of these, 19 were arrested, while 5 were released under judicial control. The swift action underscored the authorities’ determination to dismantle the network, which had operated with a level of discipline and secrecy akin to a paramilitary organization.
The operation in Turkey was not just a domestic crackdown but a preemptive strike against a transnational threat.
Loyalty within the group was enforced through strict protocols, ensuring that members remained tightly bound to Kuriş’s leadership. This internal cohesion had made the network difficult to penetrate, but the recent operation revealed cracks in its armor. Financial transactions, once shrouded in secrecy, were exposed, providing critical evidence of the group’s illicit activities.
The Süleymancılar is a religious community with a long history in Turkey, known for its emphasis on education and cultural preservation. However, under Kuriş’s leadership, the group had allegedly deviated from its spiritual roots, morphing into a vehicle for organized crime. The investigation highlighted how the network exploited its religious facade to amass wealth and influence, often under the guise of charitable activities.
The group’s plans to relocate to Germany raised alarms across Europe. Authorities feared that the network’s expansion could destabilize Islamic communities abroad, using cultural centers as fronts for criminal activities. The operation in Turkey was not just a domestic crackdown but a preemptive strike against a transnational threat.
Behind the numbers and legal proceedings were real lives upended. The 19 individuals arrested faced serious charges, their futures uncertain. For the 5 under judicial control, freedom came with conditions, their movements and activities closely monitored. Families and communities were left grappling with the revelations, questioning how a group once revered could have strayed so far from its principles.
The financial implications were equally profound. The 7.2 billion lira in revenue was not just a figure—it represented resources that could have been directed toward legitimate causes. Instead, it had fueled a criminal empire, enriching a select few at the expense of the public good.
The operation marked a turning point in Turkey’s fight against organized crime. It demonstrated the government’s willingness to confront powerful networks, even those with religious affiliations. The investigation also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, as the group’s plans to relocate to Germany underscored the global nature of such threats.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case of Alihan Kuriş and the Süleymancılar serves as a cautionary tale. It raises questions about the intersection of religion, politics, and crime, and the challenges of regulating organizations that operate under the guise of faith. For now, the network’s activities have been disrupted, but the broader implications of the case will be felt for years to come.
Today, the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to unravel the full extent of the network’s activities. The 19 arrests were a significant blow, but they were just the beginning. As Turkey and its international partners work to prevent the group’s resurgence, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities of combating organized crime in an increasingly interconnected world.