ROK turns informant: New wave coming in media investigation

It has been alleged that Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, who was arrested in May on charges of "illegal betting, money laundering, bribery, and qualified fraud," has become an informant in an investigation that also includes several media figures close to the government.

Journalist Fatih Altaylı claimed that information provided by Kütahyalı was influential in the case against Cem Küçük and Tahir Sarıkaya, who were arrested last week after being taken into custody. Altaylı wrote that the investigation might not remain limited to the current names and that new operations in the media sector could be on the agenda.

Kütahyalı was among the 161 suspects detained during simultaneous operations conducted in 21 provinces on May 14. The financial transactions involved in the case and the charges brought against them had sparked widespread public debate at the time.

In his article on the subject, Altaylı stated that Kütahyalı, Küçük, and Sarıkaya had acted within the same circle in the past, and that Kütahyalı was later excluded from this structure. The article also included the claim that Kütahyalı had for some time been making open accusations to his close circle regarding Cem Küçük, Tahir Sarıkaya, and an editor-in-chief.

ALTAYLI: THE CHAIN MAY EXTEND

In his account, which he based on individuals who claimed to have seen the informant's statement in the hands of prosecutors, Altaylı wrote that the informant was "most likely Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı." It was stated that the people who spoke to Altaylı suggested that Kütahyalı might be released soon for this reason.

The article argued that the allegations, which initially appeared to be small-scale interests, also involved larger money transfers. According to Altaylı, a source familiar with the investigation commented, "There is actually an iceberg. The amounts are very, very large. Millions have been transferred. Regular payments have been made to certain names."

Altaylı wrote that the investigation is not limited to money traffic; it is claimed that different connections are being examined, in addition to allegations of threats, blackmail, power, and influence peddling. While the judicial process regarding these allegations continues, no new statement has been made by official authorities.

Altaylı's article also included the claim that a wider circle of journalists is being looked at through Tahir Sarıkaya, but that the core group "acting together" is currently being kept narrower. In this context, it was alleged that the names of an editor-in-chief, some sports commentators, and two journalists are being discussed in connection with the investigation.

Which names the investigation will reach and how the allegations will be evaluated by the judicial authorities will become clear in the coming period.

News Source: 12punto