Expert panel appointed to examine quake donations in Ahbap investigation
Prosecutors have appointed an independent panel of experts to examine how donations collected by the Ahbap Association following the devastating Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes were managed, as a widening investigation into the charity led to further arrests and detentions.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the panel will review financial records, bank transactions and money transfers involving the charity and related individuals and companies to determine whether earthquake donations were used for their intended purposes and in compliance with Turkish law.
The investigation centers on allegations of violating the Associations Law, money laundering and membership in a criminal organization. Authorities have frozen the assets of the charity and the suspects while the probe continues.
A second wave of operations resulted in the arrest of four of 12 additional suspects, while prosecutors later issued detention warrants for nine more people, including Babala TV founder and social media personality Oğuzhan Uğur, who was taken into custody after police searched his home. Prosecutors said the latest detainees are expected to be referred to court on July 20.
