The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said on 20 September 2026 that the measures were taken in its investigation into what it calls a “profit-oriented criminal organisation” led by Alihan Kuriş. Turkish media describe Kuriş as leader of the religious community known as the Süleymanlılar or Süleymancılar. The offences listed are establishing and leading a criminal organisation, membership, laundering, fraud against public institutions and violating the Tax Procedure Law. Homes and workplaces of suspects were searched.

The statement says it has been “established” that people and companies “considered linked or affiliated” with the organisation managed its money and asset movements in Türkiye and abroad. It says evidence shows cash was hidden in aid shipments abroad and moved through logistics companies. According to the statement, other funds went through online payment systems and “trusted couriers”.

For the first time in this investigation, according to BoldMedya, the statement also refers to findings of “organisational and financial activities aimed at influencing election processes” in Türkiye. It does not say which election, by what means, or involving whom.

The statement does not name the 23 companies. A list published on X by Kaan Arslan includes several education companies, an accountancy firm, a printing house, a textile yarn producer, a food company and a renewable energy firm.

The investigation began on 13 August. On 16 August a Sulh Ceza Hâkimliği remanded 32 of 38 detainees, including Kuriş, and placed six under judicial control, Euronews reported. On 25 August, trustees were ordered for 11 companies and three associations. Artı Gerçek, quoting the prosecutor, reported that 35 of the 37 people brought before a judge after that operation were remanded. BoldMedya reports a cumulative 161 people subject to proceedings, 80 remanded, 22 under judicial control and 74 companies under trustees. Diken reports 81 remanded.

Under Article 133 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a judge may hand a company’s management to a trustee on strong suspicion of listed offences. One company said the Ankara 6th Sulh Ceza Hâkimliği appointed the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) as its trustee on 13 August, and that another judgeship lifted the order the same day. Local press reported that 14 companies in Sakarya were transferred to TMSF.

TMSF has acted as trustee in Gülen-related investigations since 2016. Its deputy chair told Ekonomim in July 2026 that trusteeship of 1,497 companies and assets had been transferred to the Fund in those investigations. Courts have lifted 667 of these, and 608 companies remain under TMSF management. After confiscation rulings, the shares of 200 companies were registered to the Treasury, Halk TV reported.

TMSF’s Gülen-related trusteeships began in 2016; in July 2026, 608 of those companies were still under its management. The Süleymanlı investigation began on 13 August 2026.