An investigation into allegations that donations collected on behalf of the Ahbap Association were diverted to the suspects' personal accounts has widened after prosecutors ordered new detentions and arrested one of the organization's co-founders. At the same time, a Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) report alleged billions of Turkish lira in financial transactions linked to one of the key suspects.
Alper Çelik, one of Ahbap's co-founders, was arrested after being detained while conducting a transaction at a notary office, according to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. He was referred to court following police questioning and was subsequently remanded in custody pending trial.
The latest development comes as prosecutors continue investigating allegations of establishing a criminal organization, major fraud and laundering assets derived from criminal activity.
According to a MASAK report prepared as part of the investigation, Yeliz Kaya, the assistant of Ahbap founder and singer Haluk Levent, recorded transaction volumes of TL 5 billion ($106.1 million) in 2024, TL 10 billion in 2025 and TL 4 billion in 2026. Kaya was previously arrested as part of the probe.
Investigators are examining bank accounts, checks, property transfers and financial transactions allegedly linked to the association and individuals connected to it.
