Justice Minister Gürlek explains details of the investigation into the Ahbap Association

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated that the activities of non-governmental organizations are being closely monitored and made significant remarks regarding the recent judicial process concerning the Ahbap Association. Speaking on TRT Haber, Gürlek expressed that the investigation is not limited to the Ahbap Association alone, but that measures are being taken against any structure that could exploit the public's sense of charity.

Gürlek stated, "This issue should not be evaluated merely under the heading of an isolated investigation; it must be viewed within the framework of a wider struggle against any structure that could exploit the good intentions, sense of charity, and donation security of our citizens."

Reminding that the Ministry of Justice, along with the Ministry of Interior, MASAK, and other relevant institutions, is continuing coordinated work within the scope of the "Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting, Games of Chance, and Gambling in the Virtual Environment" published in 2025, Gürlek pointed out that the investigation conducted through an official association is also a part of this process.

Minister Gürlek conveyed that in the investigations in question, the potential actions of association managers and members regarding breach of trust, qualified fraud, and money laundering are being evaluated.

Stating that their primary goal is to ensure the protection of the public's sensitivity toward helping, especially that of donors, Gürlek said, "Our main priority is not to allow the good intentions, sense of charity, and sensitivity toward helping of our citizens to be exploited. As the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with our Ministry of Interior, MASAK, and all our relevant institutions, we are resolutely continuing our efforts to strengthen preventive and deterrent measures, primarily regarding the audit, monitoring, and control of associations."