News report angers AKP's Süleyman Soylu: 'They are manufacturing crimes from photographs'

AKP İstanbul MP and former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu responded on his social media account to a news report alleging that an individual posing as a “Trump Media employee” used photographs taken with Turkish politicians to commit fraud.

According to the report in Sözcü, it was claimed that Turks wishing to obtain the E-2 visa, known as an investor visa in the US, were targeted; a person named Melih Göğebakan allegedly introduced himself as a “Trump Media employee,” “Trump’s media consultant,” and someone with powerful connections in the US.

According to the allegation, 3 thousand dollars were collected from each applicant; victims were shown US Congress logos, official-looking documents, and photographs taken with Turkish politicians. It was said that the visa procedures would be handled through a lawyer named “Martin,” but it was alleged that the E-2 applications were never filed.

While allegations regarding Göğebakan being detained in the US have also surfaced, it was stated that the victims are preparing to file criminal complaints in case the individual in question returns to Turkey.

"THEY CONTINUE TO MANUFACTURE CRIMES FROM PHOTOGRAPHS AND VERDICTS FROM SLANDER"

In his statement, Soylu denied the allegations and targeted the Sözcü Group, which published the report. Arguing that numerous reports have been made about him “systematically” over the last three years, Soylu stated, “Sözcü has added a new one to the 4,061 slanders it has directed at me.”

Sözcü Group has published slander and inhumane fake news about me exactly 4,061 times in the last three years. Sözcü, which is a rag of corruption and money laundering, and which I believe all its dirty network of relations will one day inevitably be revealed, has added a new one to the 4,061 slanders it has directed at me…

— Süleyman Soylu (@suleymansoylu) August 2, 2026

The former minister stated that he was being accused based on photographs, saying, “They continue to manufacture crimes from photographs, news from lies, and verdicts from slander.”

In his statement, Soylu also touched upon parliamentary immunity and reacted with the words, “I am saying it clearly once again from here: My parliamentary immunity will also end completely in at most one and a half years. If you don't do your worst, you are cowards!”

Soylu's statement is as follows:

"Sözcü Group has published slander and inhumane fake news about me exactly 4,061 times in the last three years. Sözcü, which is a rag of corruption and money laundering, and which I believe all its dirty network of relations will one day inevitably be revealed, has added a new one to the 4,061 slanders it has directed at me.

They have continued their habit of making up fake slander against Süleyman Soylu based on photographs that a person, who is alleged to have committed fraud through visa procedures in America, took with politicians. (America, which declared me 'persona non grata' twice in the place where the visa is requested, by showing my so-called photograph!)"

They continue to manufacture crimes from photographs, news from lies, and verdicts from slander. Because their entire capital is lies, slander, and defamation operations.

I am saying it clearly once again from here: My parliamentary immunity will also end completely in at most one and a half years.

If you don't do your worst, you are cowards!"

News Source: 12punto