WhatsApp messages revealed: Father of fugitive Umut Altaş to testify again in Gülistan Doku investigation

It has been learned that Celal Altaş, the father of Umut Altaş—who is the subject of a red notice—will be re-questioned following the emergence of WhatsApp messages between the two in the investigation into the disappearance of Gülistan Doku, who has been missing in Tunceli since January 5, 2020.

In the investigation, where 12 people, including the former Governor of Tunceli Tuncay Sonel and his son Mustafa Türkay Sonel, are being held on charges of "intentional homicide," it was stated that the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office will conduct new cross-examinations before proceeding to the indictment stage.

NOT MENTIONED IN HIS STATEMENT

It was learned that Celal Altaş did not mention the messages he exchanged with his son in his statement to the gendarmerie. In his statement, Altaş said, "After my son Umut Altaş went abroad, we spoke via WhatsApp until about 4-5 months ago through a number that I don't recall now but is saved in my mobile phone as 'Umut father'."

According to the Sabah newspaper, it was stated that following the inclusion of the messages in the file, Celal Altaş would be re-questioned and asked about the messages sent by his son, which included "I will tell you why you sent me to America" and "You were the one silencing them!"

MESSAGES TO BECOME "PRIMARY EVIDENCE"

It was reported that the revealed correspondence would also be used as evidence in the extradition process of Umut Altaş. It was noted that these messages would be added to the red notice issued for Altaş, who has been located in the state of Virginia, and would be presented to U.S. authorities as "primary evidence."

It was learned that fugitive Umut Altaş, who was determined to have traveled to Mexico in May 2022 and then entered the U.S. illegally, demanded that his father send 9,000 dollars to his account in messages dated January 9, 2026. When Celal Altaş demanded the return of 150,000 dollars he claimed to have sent previously, it emerged that Umut Altaş replied, "If the money doesn't arrive today, I will call the prosecutor and tell her everything. I will tell you why you sent me to America."

It was stated that in the messages, Celal Altaş used harsh language toward his son, while Umut Altaş responded by saying, "Stop acting. You were the one silencing things. I'm going to spill everything. You'll see what's what."

BROTHER'S VIDEO ALSO IN THE FILE

Meanwhile, it was reported that footage of a meeting between Umut Altaş's brother, S.A., and the Doku family's lawyer, Ali Çimen, has also been added to the investigation file.

In the footage, S.A. is heard saying, "I am ready to help with whatever I know. From what I gathered from Umut's interrogation, Türkay said the girl got pregnant and I shot her in the head. This phrase 'I shot her in the head' was mentioned several times."