By Riffat Kausar
Snn News Finland
Turkish police seized 200 kilograms of gold bars worth an estimated $28 million during a raid linked to the Süleymancılar religious community, part of a wider financial-crimes investigation into the group’s leadership.
The gold was found at a property connected to Hilmi Tuna Kuriş, the fugitive brother of Alihan Kuriş, the group’s detained leader, according to Turkish Police Seize news outlets including T24 and Sözcü. Police described the gold’s origin as unexplained.
Süleymancı Gold Seizure Follows Nationwide Raids
The discovery came after Ankara’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, working with Ankara police, launched simultaneous operations across 17 provinces on 13 August, targeting individuals and companies linked to the group.
Investigators searched 43 locations tied to suspects and 80 more linked to 33 companies.
Detentions rose from an initial 30 to 38 people. Of those brought before a court, 32 were formally arrested and six placed under judicial supervision, prosecutors said.
Who Are the Süleymancılar?
The Süleymancılar, who refer to themselves as “Süleymanlılar,” are a religious and social community rooted in the teachings of Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan. The group runs a network of dormitories and Quran study courses across Turkey.
Prosecutors allege that an inner structure led by Alihan Kuriş operated as a criminal organization, citing money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion.
The investigation stems from a report by Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).
Key Facts
- 200 kg of gold bars (~$28 million / 1.34 billion lira) found at one address linked to fugitive Hilmi Tuna Kuriş
- 38 people detained; 32 formally arrested, 6 under judicial supervision
- Operations spanned 17 provinces and 123 locations
- Investigation alleges money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion by an “Alihan Kuriş criminal organization”
- Over 100 billion lira allegedly moved abroad, per MASAK
- Turkish Police Seize
FAQs:
What group is at the center of this investigation?
The Süleymancılar (Süleymanlılar), a Turkish religious and social community known for running dormitories and Quran courses.
Who is Alihan Kuriş?
He is identified by prosecutors as the leader of the community and the alleged criminal structure under investigation; he has been arrested and jailed.
Why was the gold Turkish Police Seize?
Police say its source is unexplained and it was found during a search for Kuriş’s fugitive brother, Hilmi Tuna Kuriş, as part of the wider financial-crimes probe.
Has anyone been convicted?
No. Those arrested are in pretrial detention or under judicial supervision; the investigation is ongoing and no trial verdict has been reported.
Is Hilmi Tuna Kuriş in custody?
No, he remains at large; police continue searching for him.
Financial Scale of the Investigation
MASAK’s review found that more than 100 billion Turkish Police Seize lira had reportedly been moved abroad through companies connected to the network.
Authorities have appointed trustees to manage assets and companies suspected of involvement, including two well-known retail brands, Ayakkabı Dünyası and Armine.
Beyond the gold, searches turned up 20 unlicensed firearms at one suspect’s residence and undisclosed amounts of foreign currency at other addresses.
Among those detained is Ahmet Gökçen, a law professor and former member of Turkish Police Seize Council of Judges and Prosecutors.
Related coverage /news/turkey-financial-crimes-crackdown-2026
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