The recent investigation into the alleged organized crime group led by Alihan Kuriş has drawn attention to serious criminal activities rather than targeting faith-based communities, according to Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek. The inquiry has unveiled extensive financial dealings amounting to tens of billions of liras, connected to several companies and individuals implicated in the case.
Focus on Criminal Activities, Not Religions
Minister Gürlek emphasized that the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime are not based on religious identity or community associations but on illegal actions and the networks supporting them. In a statement shared on social media, he affirmed, “The crucial factor is not any individual’s belief or religious affiliation but the criminal activities associated with those individuals.” He pointed out that religious principles should never serve as a justification or cover for illicit conduct.
As part of this comprehensive investigation, authorities are tackling groups that exploit public faith for their own gain. The Alihan Kuriş case serves as a prime example, showcasing the precarious blending of religion and organized crime. The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) has produced a substantial 168-page report that reveals a labyrinth of financial transactions both domestically and internationally linked to the suspects involved.
In-Depth Financial Analysis
The MASAK report details significant overseas financial activities from Istanbul Hisar Turizm ve Ticaret AŞ, revealing that almost TL 8 billion (approximately $167 million) has been transferred to accounts connected to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Additional transactions have been traced to countries such as the United States, Israel, and various others across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This alarming series of financial links raises questions about the integrity and transparency of these operations.
Furthermore, MASAK has scrutinized the Istanbul Hisar Health Investment and Tourism Trade company, which was established in 2025 with a reported capital of over TL 1.35 billion. Despite this impressive figure, banking records indicate a transaction volume of just TL 34,176, suggesting irregularities that warrant further investigation. Also noteworthy are the millions of dollars funneled from abroad to Akdeniz Toros Et, where investigators found that withdrawals frequently occurred shortly after funds arrived.
Legal Actions and Implications
The scope of the investigation includes various allegations, such as the formation and leadership of a criminal organization, membership, money laundering, and tax law violations. In a recent development, 32 suspects, including Kuriş, were taken into custody as authorities intensified their probe into the group known as the “Süleymancılar.” The investigation revealed other alarming findings, including 200 kilograms of gold bars of unclear provenance discovered while searching for Kuriş’s brother, Hilmi Tuna Kuriş.
Minister Gürlek reassured the Turkish public that the state remains unwavering in its commitment to fighting criminal activities while simultaneously safeguarding citizens’ rights to religious belief and practice. This dual focus underscores the government’s determination to maintain social order and uphold the law.
The “Süleymancılar” Community
The “Süleymancılar” group, rooted in the teachings of Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan from Bulgaria, has a historical connection to the Naqshbandi Sufi tradition. Initially focused on religious education in homes and mosques, the community later expanded its offerings through Quran courses and student dormitories. This evolution included ventures into various commercial sectors like food, healthcare, and real estate, often funded by contributions from its members.
Despite its roots in spirituality, the community’s insularity complicates external assessments of its beliefs and operational structures. Diyanet, Turkey’s religious affairs authority, describes the organization as emerging from the Naqshbandi tradition but does not label it a formal religious order. The group has also gained a presence outside Türkiye, particularly in Europe, during the Turkish labor migration of the 1960s, establishing Quran courses that catered to the diaspora.