Referral document for Haluk Levent's arrest revealed: Doubts raised regarding transparency

The document stated that "signs containing strong suspicion have emerged that the aid was not managed or spent in a transparent and auditable manner, and that these suspicions and evidence have been strengthened as a result of both the suspect's personal weaknesses and economic situation, as well as the findings made in the completed MASAK report."

Twenty-three people, including Haluk Levent, who were detained as part of the investigation into the Ahbap Association, have been referred to the courthouse.

One person who was detained was released following police procedures.

Following questioning by the prosecutor's office, 19 people, including Haluk Levent, were referred to the criminal judgeship of peace with a request for arrest, 5 with a request for judicial control, and 1 with a request for house arrest. 

The following statements were used regarding Levent in the prosecutor's referral document:

“It is understood that financial aid was provided with deep humanitarian feelings to the Ahbap Association, which was founded by the suspect Haluk Levent and does not legally hold the status of an association working for the public benefit, especially after the earthquake disaster in 2023, and that the collected funds reached a significant volume amounting to billions; however, all coordination and organization of the activities to ensure this aid reached its purpose were generally managed by the suspect Haluk Levent, and that after 2023, signs containing strong suspicion emerged that this aid was not managed or spent in a transparent and auditable manner; that these suspicions and evidence were strengthened as a result of both the suspect's personal weaknesses and economic situation and the findings made in the completed MASAK report; and that within the scope of the deepened investigation procedures, concrete findings were made that the Ahbap Association's assets were diminished and its real estate was disposed of, and that the MASAK investigation and evidence collection procedures regarding the determination of the amounts donated to the association and the amounts spent from the association's budget are continuing in a multifaceted manner. Given that there are facts showing the existence of strong suspicion of a crime regarding the suspects committing the crimes they are charged with, and that there is a reason for arrest; it is requested on behalf of the public that they be arrested, taking into account the nature and character of the crime the suspects are charged with, the current state of evidence, and the upper limit of the penalty prescribed by law for the crime."

News Source: 12punto