Hüseyin Başaran’s statement in AHBAP investigation revealed: 2.29 billion lira protocol for 22 properties

New details have emerged regarding the police statement of businessman Hüseyin Başaran, owner of Başaran Holding, who was detained as part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the AHBAP Association. Başaran’s statement covered many topics, from the process of meeting Haluk Levent to property sales, and from payment traffic to title deed records.

In his statement, Başaran said that he met Haluk Levent about four years ago in Trabzon while he was having tea on the terrace of his hotel when Levent came to the city for a municipal concert, and that they did not have contact for a long time afterward. The businessman explained that he saw Levent again at a fish restaurant in Göktürk in February 2026, that Levent noticed him and came over, and that they later met at his office.

PROPERTY NARRATIVE IN THE STATEMENT

According to Başaran’s declaration, Levent spoke during the meetings about relief efforts in the earthquake zone, girls' dormitories, schools, and housing projects for earthquake survivors. Başaran stated that Levent brought up funds from the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, and showed him some photos and videos, which led him to take what was being said seriously.

The businessman also mentioned in his statement that a system called the "Barter Pool" was discussed. According to Başaran, Levent said that it would take 6 to 9 months for funds coming from abroad to reach Turkey, and that properties needed to be collected in a specific pool to benefit from these funds. Başaran argued that this system had nothing to do with him and that it was just a model presented to him by Levent.

Başaran stated that it was initially said that property sales would be made, funds would be obtained through these properties, and payments would arrive a few months later. Stating that he normally makes cash sales, Başaran explained that Levent later came to the sales office with Yeliz Kaya, whom he identified as his assistant.

According to Başaran’s statement, it was requested that 4 properties be transferred in the name of Yeliz Kaya for 602 million lira with a protocol signed on February 3. Başaran stated that the reason for this was that Kaya was said to be the authorized person for the funds coming from abroad.

The businessman also stated that the first payment was made early from Yeliz Kaya’s account before the promissory notes were due, which created trust in him. Başaran explained that Levent frequently came to his home, said that his late daughter’s name could be given to a school in Hatay if it were completed, and that this approach influenced him.

One of the most striking topics in Başaran’s police statement was the sales amount. The businessman said that a total of 22 properties were sold between February 2026 and the end of April, and that all of the properties were transferred to Yeliz Kaya. Başaran stated that the total sales price was 2 billion 298 million 985 thousand 908 lira, and that he was only able to receive a total of 151 million 680 thousand lira in 4 separate transactions in return.

TITLE DEED RECORDS AND PAYMENT ALLEGATIONS

Başaran also alleged that the fair market values of the properties in the title deed were shown as lower than they were. Stating that the normal value of the Flour Factory belonging to Trabzon Çimento was 12 million dollars and that this property was also transferred to Yeliz Kaya, Başaran expressed that delays in payments increased after the final sales, which made him suspicious.

Başaran alleged that when the time for payments approached, Levent began to stall them. In his statement, Başaran noted that he tried to reach Levent but could not get an answer to his calls, and that when they did make contact, Levent said he was in America, was in a meeting with fund officials, and would return shortly. Başaran also claimed that after his persistent calls, Levent told him he had stomach cancer.

Başaran later alleged that he had the title deed records examined and saw that the properties held by Yeliz Kaya were transferred within 1-2 days to Esin Önder Çağlayan in Ankara or to Kanat Savunma and Globus Savunma, companies owned by this person. According to Başaran’s claim, high-amount loan applications were made following these transfers, and mortgages were placed on the properties.

Stating in his testimony that he did not make any donations to the AHBAP Association, Başaran noted that he made personal donations through official channels via his own company during the earthquake period. Stating that he filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office regarding the transactions related to the properties and opened a civil lawsuit with a request for an injunction, Başaran said, “I only carried out property sales. And I couldn't get my money; I am the one who was victimized in this matter.”

In his statement, Başaran was also asked about the difference between the 60 million dollar value declared for the property apartments and the 24 million 800 thousand dollar value stated to be in the appraisal reports. Başaran argued that the total agreement was 2 billion 298 million 985 thousand 908 lira, that bank appraisal reports always come out low, and that all prices were in accordance with market values.

While the process regarding the investigation continues, Başaran’s statements have become one of the important topics of the allegations and defenses in the file. The final assessment regarding the individuals and institutions mentioned in the file will be clarified by the investigation and judicial process conducted by the judicial authorities.