Espionage investigation into Assan Group: Detention warrants issued for three individuals

In a military espionage investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, three individuals linked to ASSAN Group have been detained. Among those detained are a former colonel, a former Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) employee, and a current staff member at ASSAN. It is stated that the operation is part of a broader investigation into espionage activities both within and outside the company.

SEARCHES CONDUCTED IN SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION

Searches were carried out at the addresses of the detained suspects, and digital materials and certain documents were seized. It was reported that the operation was organized as the result of a long-running investigation. The suspects are accused of playing a role in the illegal acquisition of classified military information and its transfer to ASSAN Group.

ASSASSINATION ALLEGATION TRIGGERED THE INVESTIGATION

The investigation initially began with an alleged assassination attempt against Aziz İhsan Aktaş. Following threats against Aktaş's life, it was learned that the investigation deepened and extended to ASSAN Group. The company's former legal advisor and former MKE President İsmet Sayhan became the first person arrested in the investigation on charges of "military espionage."

ASSAN GROUP EXECUTIVES ALSO ARRESTED

In the later stages of the investigation, ASSAN Group owner Emin Öner and General Manager Gürcan Okumuş were also arrested. While Öner faces charges of both "FETÖ membership" and "espionage," only the "espionage" charge was directed at Okumuş. According to the prosecutor's file, it is alleged that Öner and Okumuş illegally transferred classified information belonging to TÜBİTAK SAGE and MKE to their company and produced strategic equipment using this information.