Synopsis
Turkish officials are investigating Maydonoz Doner, a kebab restaurant chain, for alleged connections to the Gulen movement. 353 suspects have been detained, including public officials, amid claims of facilitating financial support for the organization.Key Takeaways
- Investigation launched into Maydonoz Doner.
- 353 arrests made across 31 cities.
- Chain accused of aiding the Gulen movement.
- Franchise model allegedly linked to financial transactions.
- TMSF appointed as trustee for 21 affiliated companies.
Ankara, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Turkish government has initiated an inquiry into Maydonoz Doner, a popular doner kebab franchise with 390 locations, amid claims of connections to the Gulen movement.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on the social media platform X that authorities detained 353 individuals, including 10 public officials, during operations in 31 cities, according to a report from Xinhua news agency.
The Gulen movement, previously headed by Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who died in the US in October 2024, is accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2016, leading to over 250 fatalities.
Reports indicate that the doner chain was involved in facilitating both domestic and international financial transactions to aid the organization.
The Financial Crimes Investigation Board had been surveilling the establishment for an extended period, and a court has now designated the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) as a trustee for 21 companies under the Maydonoz Doner brand, according to a TMSF statement.
Authorities disclosed that the franchise operated on a franchise basis and allegedly awarded formal partnerships to individuals associated with the movement in return for payments, as indicated in the statement.
Yerlikaya remarked that the company exclusively allowed new partners with endorsements from the movement, referring to the approach as reference-based growth.
Furthermore, he stated that these restaurant outlets were utilized to offer jobs and financial support to individuals linked to the Gulen movement, who also gathered donations from them.
Yerlikaya also emphasized that Maydonoz Doner had been broadening its franchise network internationally, enabling global money transfers. Prosecutors have now commenced an inquiry into those implicated.
