6 security guards detained over the death of Erol Eğrek

The incident occurred yesterday around 14:30 in front of the Çalık Holding building on Büyükdere Street in the Esentepe neighborhood of Şişli.

According to the information obtained, 49-year-old Erol Eğrek wanted to speak with company officials, claiming that he was a former employee and had not received his severance pay after being laid off, and he arrived with his licensed firearm.

When his request was not met, Eğrek fired 3 shots from his weapon at a planter in front of the building. Following this, as the security guards approached him, Eğrek held the gun to his own head. After security personnel and guards intervened, they beat Eğrek and attempted to remove him from the area.

Erol Eğrek was subsequently taken to the hospital. After undergoing a medical examination and reporting pain in his head, neck, and chest, Eğrek soon deteriorated and was intubated at the hospital. Despite all interventions, Eğrek could not be saved and lost his life.

Following investigations by police teams dispatched to the scene, 6 security guards were detained in connection with the incident.

STATEMENT FROM ÇALIK HOLDING

In a statement issued by Çalık Holding, it was stated, "On May 9, 2025, around 14:30, an armed action attempt took place in front of our holding building. The individual in question fired 3-4 shots, creating a life-threatening situation in the busy area between our building and the hospital.

Considering the presence of a school, a hospital, and employees in the immediate vicinity, law enforcement was immediately notified. Upon the individual's resistance with his weapon, an intervention was carried out rapidly to prevent any loss of life or injury, and he was handed over to law enforcement officers.

In the evening hours, it was learned from the authorized units that Erol Eğrek, who carried out the action, had unfortunately lost his life. First and foremost, we wish God's mercy upon the late Erol Eğrek and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Erol Eğrek worked at a factory abroad where we were a minority shareholder about 10 years ago and subsequently left his position after receiving all his rights.

However, over the 10-year period that has passed since then, he has made baseless accusations to judicial and administrative authorities with various claims that he had not received his rights from our company.

We are closely following the initiated judicial process and are acting in communication with all authorized bodies.

In order to ensure the public is correctly informed, we kindly request that no attention be paid to comments and speculations made outside of the statements from official authorities. We will continue to share developments regarding the ongoing legal process with the public in a transparent manner."