Turkish police detained 33 individuals on Monday in coordinated dawn raids targeting the popular dessert chain Antiochia Künefe, over alleged fundraising activities linked to the outlawed Gülen movement, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
The operation, led by the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), focused on the company’s İzmir-based headquarters and branches in Istanbul, Hatay, Gaziantep, and Manisa. Authorities issued detention orders for 41 suspects, 33 of whom were taken into custody. Seven suspects are believed to have fled abroad, while efforts to locate at least one fugitive are ongoing.
Authorities claim financial and digital records indicate the dessert chain was involved in a covert fundraising network supporting the Gülen movement. During the raids, police seized 100,000 Turkish lira (approx. $2,500) in cash, 33 gold coins, and various digital files and documents.
Antiochia Künefe is one of several businesses recently targeted in what Turkish officials describe as efforts to dismantle the movement’s remaining infrastructure. The crackdown follows similar operations earlier this year against the Maydonoz Döner fast-food chain, during which over 400 individuals were detained. Trustees have since been appointed to manage its assets.
The Turkish government accuses the Gülen movement—founded by exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen, who died in the U.S. in October 2024—of orchestrating the failed July 2016 coup attempt. The group denies any involvement.
Since 2016, authorities have carried out widespread purges of suspected movement affiliates, including mass arrests, job dismissals, and the confiscation of private assets. According to official data, more than 700,000 individuals have been investigated over alleged links to the group.
