27 businessmen arrested in coup attempt probe

ISTANBUL

A total of 27 businessmen were arrested on Sept. 8 as part of an ongoing investigation into the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ), which has been accused of staging the failed coup attempt of July 15, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.

An Istanbul court ordered the arrest of 27 businessmen, including Aydınlı Group Chairman Ömer Faruk Kavurmacı and Faruk Güllü, one of the brothers who runs separate Güllüoğlu Baklava chains, on charges of being a member of FETÖ. Another 52 suspects, including Nejat Güllü, the other brother who runs the Güllüoğlu Baklava chains, were released on probation.

Police detained a total of 80 suspects on Aug. 18 as part of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office during operations targeting the financial structure of FETÖ.

Some 65 of the suspects were referred to the court for arrest on charges of being a member of a terror organization and attempting to end the constitutional order by using force and violence. The other 15, meanwhile, were referred to court to be released on probation. 

The chief prosecutor in Istanbul had also issued orders for the confiscation of the properties of 187 suspects, including Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) Chairman Rızanur Meral, Kavurmacı and Güllü brothers, according to a decree law under state of emergency. Some suspects, including Meral, are still being sought as fugitives.

On Sept. 7, the assets of a total of 41 business leaders, including Fikret İnan, the owner of the large construction business Fi Yapı; the former CEO of İhlas Holding, Cahit Paksoy; and Fatih Aktaş, chairman of Akfa Holding.