Six detained in Istanbul probe into Sarigul family assets

Istanbul prosecutors have ordered the detention of six people in an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to former MP Mustafa Sarigul and his family. The suspects include Sarigul's former wife Aylin Kotil, his sons Emir and Omer Sarigul, Volkan Aslanbas, Cavidan Tanrah Artuner, and journalist Murat Agirel.

The investigation was launched following complaints by two German nationals identified as K.P. and M.B. Prosecutors allege financial transactions were carried out through companies established in Turkey and abroad.

“Mustafa Sarigul and his family are trying to involve journalist Murat Agirel in shady dealings between Mustafa Sarigul and three people living in Germany.”

The file cites four financial claims: an 80 million euro contract, a 100 million euro transfer, a one billion euro fund allegedly promised for transfer abroad, and a 1.5 million euro yacht sale. Prosecutors stressed that these figures are allegations and do not confirm illegal transfers or crimes.

Authorities said complainants provided information and documents to Agirel, and that threats were made after those documents were passed to other individuals. Audio and video recordings supplied by complainants are also being examined.

Onlar TV reported that German nationals accuse Agirel of giving documents to the Sarigul family and claim the family threatened them. Agirel is being held at the Istanbul Police Department detention center.