Alihan Kuriş denies directing Süleymancılar group, says he is Tunahan's heir
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Alihan Kuriş, detained in Ankara’s Süleymancılar investigation, rejected accusations that he directed the organization during prosecutor questioning. He described himself as the heir and representative of Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan and said he gave no orders. Kuriş declared monthly income of 380,000 Turkish lira, while 32 companies linked to the case have trustees.
Key Facts
- Kuriş declared a monthly income of 380,000 Turkish lira in his prosecutor statement.
- Trustees were appointed to 32 companies, including Ayakkabı Dünyası, Hisar Hastaneleri, Armine Giyim and ŞMS Kopuz Gıda.
- The case file alleges the structure built a $70 million center in Cologne and records 191 properties under the Kuriş family name.
- Searches linked to fugitive Hilmi Tuna Kuriş netted 200 kilograms of gold bullion, $358,100, €102,300 and unlicensed weapons, with seized value about 1.4 billion lira.
- Kuriş told prosecutors he has no personal GSM line and used an office line or family phones for calls.
Kuriş's Testimony
Alihan Kuriş rejected accusations that he held a managerial position and directed the criminal organization during questioning by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. He defined himself as the heir and representative of his grandfather Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan, saying those who love the grandfather love him. Kuriş said he gave no orders or instructions to anyone. He said he has no personal GSM line, typically used the office line, and occasionally spoke through family members’ phones. The investigation file includes an assessment that this method was used to avoid tracking.
Company Trusteeships and Claims
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office appointed trustees to 32 companies linked to the structure, including Ayakkabı Dünyası, Hisar Hastaneleri, Armine Giyim and ŞMS Kopuz Gıda. Investigators carried out searches and seizures at 80 addresses connected to those companies. The case file states the structure built a $70 million center in Cologne, Germany. It also records 191 property registrations under the Kuriş family name. The file alleges 7.2 billion lira in unregistered income flowed through 82 associations last year.
Gold and Weapons Seizures
During efforts to capture Kuriş’s brother Hilmi Tuna Kuriş, police searched a chemical company in Ümraniye, Istanbul. Officers found 200 kilograms of gold bullion, 358,100 dollars, 102,300 euros and unlicensed firearms there. Authorities said the total value of seized money, gold and other valuables was about 1.4 billion Turkish lira. A search at fugitive Hilmi Tuna Kuriş’s home found 13 pistols and large quantities of ammunition.
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Alihan Kuriş denies directing Süleymancılar group, says he is Tunahan's heir
