Five suspects face arrest in Can Holding money laundering probe

Exterior of Can Holding
Anadolu Agency

Authorities have requested the arrest of five individuals in an investigation into Can Holding, a major business group.

Five individuals linked to Can Holding have been referred for arrest, while one suspect has been placed under house arrest with a travel ban.

The investigation, led by the Küçükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, targets alleged crimes carried out through the group’s companies. The suspects, including Can Yayın Holding Chairman Kenan Tekdağ, were initially among six detained. They face charges including forming a criminal organisation, fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.

Prosecutors claim the network, led by Kemal Can and Mehmet Şakir Can, used complex financial schemes to move untraceable funds through company accounts and mask the origins of money. Authorities say the group altered corporate structures, used false documentation, and made capital injections into inactive firms in ways that allegedly violated the 7256 Asset Peace Law.

The network is also suspected of using these funds to grow operations in sectors such as media, education, finance, and energy, aiming to increase economic influence and public credibility.

As part of the probe, assets from 121 companies were seized and placed under Türkiye’s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF). Key firms include Habertürk Gazetecilik, Show TV, Boğaziçi Radio and TV, Doğa Schools, Turktobacco, and Bosphorus Media Group.

Authorities continue to investigate corporate and financial practices within Can Holding.

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