Iranian-origin British owner of production company and Kuwaiti business partner shot dead in Istanbul

Çetin AYDIN - ISTANBUL

An Iranian-origin British owner of a production company and his Kuwaiti business partner were shot dead in Istanbul late on April 29 by masked individuals who opened fire on their vehicle.

The incident occurred at 20:15 p.m. in Istanbul’s Maslak Square.

Saeed Karimian, the owner of the entertainment and production company Gem TV, and his business partner, identified only by the initials M.M., were traveling in a luxury car in the upscale Maslak area on the European side of Istanbul when a jeep blocked their path. Two attackers got out of their vehicle and opened fire. Karimian died of his wounds at the scene, while M.M. later died in hospital. The assailants reportedly fled the scene after the attack.

Scores of police crews and ambulances were dispatched to the area, as crime bureau staff asked witnesses to describe the incident and the appearance of the assailants.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, gathering footage from surveillance and security cameras nearby the scene for investigation.

The assailants were wearing masks, according to the witnesses. 

Meanwhile, the vehicle used in the assassination was found burnt out in Istanbul’s Kemerburgaz district.

Sarıyer Mayor Şükrü Genç said according to initial reports the cause of the murder was related to money. 

The relatives of the victims arrived at the scene immediately after the incident. Three women burst into tears after being informed about the assassination.  

Gem TV reportedly holds the selling rights of Turkish TV series to Middle Eastern countries.