Ahbap Association Chairman Haluk Levent Taken into Custody Within the Scope of 70 Million TL Claims

A new chapter has been opened in the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the Ahbap Association. Haluk Levent, the association's president and famous artist for whom an arrest warrant was issued within the framework of the investigation, was taken into custody by the teams of the Istanbul Police Department's Financial Crimes Branch Directorate. Levent, who was taken to the police headquarters by security forces to have his statement taken, is undergoing legal proceedings. This development has also increased the close public scrutiny regarding the association's operations and its aid activities across the country.

One of the most prominent claims in the investigation file focuses on the financial dimension. The file contains a judicial fine of 70 million TL, which is stated to have been issued due to bounced check transactions and is claimed to belong to the association or its officials. Police teams are expected to deepen their investigations into the matter. Authorities announced that the evidence and financial data collected within the scope of the investigation are being examined in detail.

It is known that, shortly before being taken into custody, Haluk Levent made important public statements regarding the association's audit processes. Levent emphasized that Ahbap had been audited a total of 7 times by official authorities to date and that no illegal activities were found. Stating that the association is one of the most scrutinized non-governmental organizations in Türkiye, Levent expressed that all documents were shared transparently.

The famous artist also stated that all expenditure reports and financial records were submitted completely to both the Istanbul Governor's Office and the Ministry of Interior. Levent stated that he considered the public's and the press's request for information about the association to be an entirely natural and legitimate process. Levent, arguing that they have always been sensitive about transparency, also added that the ongoing aid projects were open to independent audits.

This highly remarkable development occurred shortly after Haluk Levent's last statement regarding his position at the association. The artist had announced that after the completion of their current projects and the final conclusion of the audit processes, he would officially leave his position as the Ahbap Association's General President. The detention decision, which came during these preparations to hand over his duties, is being closely followed by both the association members and the public.