Turkey detains 15 in FETÖ covert marriage network probe across 15 provinces

September 19, 2026 at 02:21 PM1 min

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Turkish authorities arrested 15 of 26 detained suspects in an operation targeting FETÖ's covert marriage network within public institutions across 15 provinces. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office coordinated the operation, which involved MIT and Ankara police. The investigation uncovered that the group organized marriages of its members through so-called 'abis' and 'ablas'.

Key Facts

15 of 26 detained suspects were arrested in the operation.
The operation was conducted across 15 provinces centered on Ankara.
12 of the 28 suspects subject to proceedings are active public employees.
MIT and Ankara Police Department TEM Branch carried out simultaneous raids.
The investigation examined a ByLock account belonging to a female member of the organization.

Covert Marriage Network

The organization's members' marriages were organized through so-called 'abis' and 'ablas'. Personal, family, and educational information of female members, along with their physical characteristics and positions within the organization, were recorded. A candidate pool was created from this information to select suitable partners, especially for members operating in covert structures within public institutions. The parties were brought together under the control of organization supervisors.

Investigation and Operation

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office coordinated the investigation into FETÖ/PDY's activities. A ByLock account belonging to a female member was examined, revealing new records and findings about marriage negotiations within the organization. Based on ByLock contents and other evidence, proceedings were initiated against 28 suspects, including 12 active public employees. MIT and Ankara Police Department TEM Branch conducted simultaneous operations in 15 provinces centered on Ankara. 26 of the 28 suspects with detention warrants were taken into custody.