Turkey detains 7 including referee chief Ferhat Gundogdu in forgery probe

September 29, 2026 at 10:23 AM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Turkish police detained seven people, including Central Referee Committee (MHK) President Ferhat Gundogdu, in simultaneous raids across four provinces on Monday. The detentions stem from an Istanbul prosecutor's investigation into alleged mobbing and forgery of official documents. The probe was launched after a victim's statement on September 15, 2025.

Key Facts

Seven suspects were detained in simultaneous operations across four provinces centered on Istanbul.
The investigation was launched on September 15, 2025, after a victim's statement.
Among those detained are MHK President Ferhat Gundogdu, TFF Active Referees Association President Ferdi Karadoruk, and former MHK Deputy Chairman Ahmet Sahin.
The probe includes allegations of mobbing and forgery of official documents.
Investigators used open-source research, MASAK financial intelligence, HTS call records, witness statements, and expert findings.

Detention Operation

Istanbul police carried out simultaneous raids in four provinces, detaining seven suspects. The operation targeted individuals linked to the Turkish Football Federation's referee bodies. Detainees include MHK President Ferhat Gundogdu and TFF Active Referees Association President Ferdi Karadoruk. Former MHK Deputy Chairman Ahmet Sahin and former MHK member Yunus Yildirim were also detained.

Investigation Background

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched the probe after a victim's statement on September 15, 2025. The investigation examines allegations of mobbing and forgery of official documents involving referees and observers. Authorities reviewed open-source materials, MASAK financial records, and HTS call data. Witness statements and expert reports were added to the case file.