Authorities in Diyarbakır have opened a criminal case against a man identified as A.A., who allegedly presented himself as a religious sheikh, after investigators uncovered suspicious financial activity and significant unexplained assets.
Prosecutors initially launched two separate inquiries nearly two years ago into A.A., who was reported to have established a lodge, prepared amulets in exchange for money, and received select clients at a private location. Both probes were initially dropped due to insufficient evidence.
However, a report from Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) revealed that although A.A. had never held formal employment, he and his relatives collectively possessed assets worth 175 million lira (approximately $6.5 million). The report cited unusual account activity between 2019 and 2023, including large cash movements and transfers, as well as properties and vehicles registered under A.A., his wife, and children — none of whom reported any official income. Investigators also determined that some assets were transferred to relatives and the children of followers.
Following these findings, the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office reversed its earlier decision to dismiss the case. A.A. and his son, identified as C.A., now face up to 17 years in prison on charges of laundering criminal proceeds, while eight other suspects face up to seven years.
The trial is set to begin at the 6th High Criminal Court in Diyarbakır.
