Gürlek: 464 suspects, 120 detained in the fund investigation

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced the balance sheet of the fund investigations in his presentation regarding the 2027 budget of his Ministry at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Planning and Budget Commission.

Gürlek stated that as of November 9, 2026, there were 464 suspects within the scope of investigations, 120 of them were detained, and judicial control measures were implemented against 262 people.

While arrest warrants were issued for 40 fugitive suspects, the assets of 386 real persons and 116 legal entities were seized and their bank accounts were blocked.

Gürlek stated that, within the scope of the investigations, approximately 31.5 billion TL worth of money, real estate and stocks were returned to the voluntary refund account within the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF).

He noted that payments were made to citizens in the funds whose liquidation process was completed, and that efforts were continuing to continue the payments as the transactions progressed in other funds.

Links to control mechanisms are being investigated

Stating that they are determined to fight against criminal structures that have recently targeted the country's economy and citizens' savings, Gürlek said that money movements, financial connections and asset transfers are examined in line with the denunciations and complaints received by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the notifications of the relevant institutions during fund investigations.

Pointing out that the scope of the investigations has expanded, Gürlek said, "As the investigation deepens, connections that are not limited to market actors but extend to control mechanisms are also investigated."

Gürlek emphasized that no one can have a position above the law because of their position, title, economic power or relationships, and said, "No criminal will ever get away with any crime."

Fund Coordination Board follows the economic dimension

Stating that the Fund Coordination Board was established under the chairmanship of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz in order to prevent the capital markets and financial system from being negatively affected by the investigations, Gürlek said that the board follows the economic and administrative aspects of the process, and the chief public prosecutor's offices carry out the investigations independently.

Gürlek noted that institutions operating in accordance with the law and investors who make legitimate profits are kept separate from the actions subject to investigation, and stated that their aim is to strengthen the healthy functioning and reliability of the markets while protecting the rights of well-intentioned investors.

Stating that measures were taken to prevent the abduction, transfer or concealment of assets during the investigations, Gürlek stated that the earnings considered to have been obtained from crime were traced and legal mechanisms were operated to bring back the assets taken abroad.

"Voluntary return does not eliminate legal liability"

Gürlek underlined that voluntary returns made in fund investigations do not end legal liability.

Stating that the source, amount and delivery of the refunds to the real rights holders were examined, Gürlek said that investigations into the relevant persons and transactions were continuing.

Gürlek said, "Voluntary extradition alone does not eliminate legal liability."

Emphasizing that the investigations will be carried out by protecting the presumption of innocence and legal guarantees, Gürlek stated that they will follow the illegal gains and the responsibilities related to them, wherever they lead.