Turkish singer Levent detained in quake charity fund probe
Turkish singer and philanthropist Haluk Levent has been detained amid a financial misconduct investigation into Ahbap Association, the charity he founded in 2017 that later led major relief efforts following the devastating Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes.
Prosecutors said Levent is under investigation on allegations including violating Türkiye’s associations law, money laundering and membership in a criminal organization. The investigation is ongoing and no court has ruled on the allegations.
The probe stems from alleged financial irregularities within Ahbap. Police detained 20 suspects, including lawyer Ece Güner, and seized digital devices, cash, gold, checks, promissory notes and other documents.
According to the prosecutor’s statement, investigators allege that Levent used multiple bank accounts, including one registered in the name of his assistant, Yeliz K., through which approximately 120 million Turkish Liras ($2.5 million) was transferred from the charity. Prosecutors also claim Levent wagered about 990 million liras on betting platforms between 2020 and 2026, losing around 390 million liras.
