In October 2026 the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an inquiry officially titled "Clearing of Asset Values Derived from Crime" (Suçtan Kaynaklanan Mal Varlığı Değerlerinin Aklanması). The probe centres on allegations that suspects conducted illegal financial transactions and issued threats.
Between 16 and 18 October 2026 prosecutors carried out coordinated operations that resulted in the detention of seventeen people. After these initial arrests, the authorities reviewed the cases and decided to pursue formal arrest measures for a subset of the detainees. The operations were part of the same investigative effort targeting the alleged asset‑clearing scheme.
On 19 October 2026 the prosecutors submitted formal requests for the arrest of fifteen of the seventeen individuals detained days earlier. The requests were lodged with the relevant peace criminal court (sulh ceza hakimliği). The same day saw the filing of fifteen separate tutuklama talebi, or arrest demands, reflecting the view that sufficient grounds existed to keep those suspects in custody pending trial.
The requests were lodged with the relevant peace criminal court (sulh ceza hakimliği).
The suspects include journalists and family members of Mustafa Sarıgül. While the specific roles or outlets of the journalists are not detailed, members of the press are among those under scrutiny. Likewise, relatives of Mustafa Sarıgül are named as part of the group whose alleged involvement in illegal financial transactions and threats triggered the investigation.
Among the fifteen people for whom arrest was sought are Ömer Sarıgül and Murat Ağırel. Aylin Kotil appears as a key entity connected to the case.
As of 19 October 2026 the matter rests with the peace criminal court, which will decide whether to approve the prosecutors’ demands and order the suspects’ detention.