(AA Photo)
A Turkish court on Aug. 16 ordered the arrest pending trial of the leader and senior figures of an Islamic religious community, widely known as the “Süleymancılar,” over allegations of money laundering and corruption.
The arrest decision against Alihan Kuriş, the leader of the community, came days after authorities launched an operation targeting the group.
The court also ordered the pretrial arrest of 31 other suspects, while placing six others, including former Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) member Ahmet Gökcen, under house arrest.
Prosecutors said the investigation was not related to the community’s religious activities, stressing that it focused on allegedly suspicious financial transactions.
According to a statement from the chief public prosecutor’s office, authorities identified 32 companies believed to have financial and commercial ties to what investigators described as a criminal organization.
More than 100 billion Turkish Liras (over $2 billion) was allegedly transferred abroad through individuals and companies believed to be affiliated with the organization.
Kuriş was reportedly captured while hiding in a concealed compartment inside a house that was not registered in his name.
The community traces its origins to Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan, who founded the religious movement that later became widely known in Türkiye as the “Süleymancılar,” a term referring to his followers.
The group was estimated to have around 2 million followers in Türkiye in the early 1990s, although there is no up-to-date figure for its membership.
Over the years, the community has developed an extensive network of religious, educational and commercial institutions in several countries, including religious education centers, student dormitories, foundations and companies.
