Turkish authorities arrested 126 suspects late Monday, including four civil servants, in a sweeping operation targeting the financial network of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), officials announced.

The latest crackdown is part of a broader effort to dismantle FETÖ’s funding sources, following a failed coup attempt in July 2016 that left 251 people dead and more than 2,200 injured. Over the past week, authorities detained a total of 353 suspects, with many linked to a döner kebab franchise, Maydonoz Döner, allegedly used as a front for illicit financial activities supporting the terrorist group.

According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Maydonoz Döner operated an illegal financial scheme under the guise of a business partnership model called “Reference-Based Growth.” This system reportedly funneled funds to FETÖ through hidden shareholders, including known group affiliates, while rejecting investors unaffiliated with the organization.

Authorities revealed that the franchise created job opportunities exclusively for FETÖ-linked individuals and laundered money through various businesses, including jewelry stores, by using consignment-based transactions to evade detection. The scheme also expanded internationally, allowing for easier financial transfers to FETÖ members abroad.

Following the crackdown, authorities appointed a trustee to oversee Maydonoz Döner’s operations. Meanwhile, social media saw an outpouring of support from known FETÖ fugitives living overseas.

While the number of detainees climbed to 372, officials confirmed that 156 suspects were released under judicial control, and 90 others were freed from custody. Investigations by Türkiye’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) found that significant sums of money were funneled to FETÖ members under the pretext of “product purchases” from unidentified individuals inside and outside Türkiye.

FETÖ has been under intense scrutiny since the 2016 coup attempt, with tens of thousands arrested, detained, or dismissed from public sector jobs. Despite ongoing security operations, officials believe many high-ranking members remain at large, operating within Türkiye’s institutions and abroad.

On Tuesday, Ankara’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued detention warrants for 14 additional suspects, accused of maintaining ties to FETÖ’s "private services formation" within the Turkish Air Forces Command. Among them are seven discharged sergeants and a military student, who allegedly maintained contact with FETÖ’s "civilian imams" through landline calls at local grocery stores and kiosks.

Authorities have pledged to continue nationwide operations against the group, with arrests and detentions expected to rise as investigations unfold. (ILKHA)