New operation in Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu helicopter crash investigation: Action against 47 suspects

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that a new operation was organized in the investigation into the helicopter crash in which the founding Chairman of the Great Unity Party (BBP) Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu and his entourage lost their lives.

According to Gürlek's statement, judicial proceedings were initiated against 47 suspects who were considered to have participated in various crimes within the scope of FETO/PDY activities and prevented the clarification of the incident.

Within the scope of the operation organized under the coordination of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, with the support of the National Intelligence Organization and the work of the Ankara Provincial Police Department teams, simultaneous searches and seizures were carried out at 45 addresses in 16 provinces centered in Ankara.

33 suspects have been detained so far in the operation. Gürlek reported that 10 suspects were found to be in prison, and efforts to capture the 4 fugitive suspects were continuing.

Within the scope of the investigation, the misdirection of the search and rescue efforts carried out after the helicopter crash was also examined.

According to the information provided by Gürlek, the investigation also investigates the preparation of false information notes, manipulation of witnesses and secret witnesses, and actions aimed at preventing the discovery of material truths.

It is considered that the suspects participated in these actions within the scope of FETO/PDY activities and in the crime of deliberate killing.

The investigation into the helicopter crash on March 25, 2009, in which Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu and 5 people with him lost their lives, was transferred from Kahramanmaraş to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on June 12, 2026.

In the first operation held on July 13 after the transfer, detention orders were issued for 29 suspects and 27 suspects were caught. Later, 19 of the suspects were arrested.

Gürlek stated in his statement that efforts will continue to shed light on all aspects of the investigation.

Stating that despite the passage of time, the investigation will continue with determination in order to reveal the material truth and hold those responsible accountable before the law, Gürlek thanked the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, MİT and Ankara Provincial Police Department teams who carried out the operation.