Statement regarding 'Vanlı Kara Haydar' and 'Ali Haydar Kurum'

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek made a statement regarding the judicial proceedings conducted against Mehmet Fatih Tançalan, known on social media as “Vanlı Kara Haydar,” and Ali Haydar Kurum.

In a post on his social media account, Gürlek stated that activities aimed at concealing the source of criminal proceeds or legitimizing these incomes through displays of luxury, extravagant weddings, or similar fabrications will be examined by judicial authorities.

The statement emphasized that social media is not an “unregulated and lawless space.” Gürlek expressed that judicial authorities are showing the necessary sensitivity toward posts that undermine the peace and sense of security of citizens and that may create fear and anxiety in society.

According to the information provided by Gürlek, financial investigations were conducted within the scope of the investigation initiated by the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against M.F.T., known as “Vanlı Kara Haydar.” The suspect was arrested for the crime of “laundering assets derived from criminal activity.”

Similarly, an investigation was initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against A.H.K., who came to the fore with images published on social media. Gürlek reported that detention, search, and seizure procedures have been applied to the suspect in this context.

Gürlek's statement is as follows:

"Social media is not an unregulated and lawless space!

Our judicial authorities are showing the necessary sensitivity toward posts that undermine the peace and sense of security of our citizens, as well as toward staged scenes prepared to legitimize income obtained from crime in a way that creates fear and anxiety in society.

Two incidents reflected in the public eye in recent days are clear indicators of this. Following financial investigations conducted within the scope of the investigation initiated by the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against M.F.T., known on social media as “Vanlı Kara Haydar,” the suspect has been arrested for the crime of “laundering assets derived from criminal activity.”

Similarly, an investigation has been initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against A.H.K., who came to the fore with images published on social media; detention, search, and seizure procedures have been applied to the suspect.

Activities aimed at concealing the source of criminal proceeds or legitimizing these incomes through displays of luxury, extravagant weddings, or similar fabrications on social media, as well as content that constitutes a crime and creates fear and insecurity in society, will be meticulously examined by our judicial authorities.

Our Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices, in coordination with our police, gendarmerie, and relevant institutions, will uncover the individuals, money, and criminal connections behind these posts through financial and technical investigations and will implement the necessary judicial procedures without delay in cases where there is suspicion of crime.

Our stance is clear: Virtual fame created on social media will not be a veil for concealing crime and criminal proceeds."