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Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said criminal proceedings have been launched against 404 people in investigations into manipulative transactions in capital markets. Of those, 88 suspects have been jailed, 26 are in custody and 195 are under judicial supervision.

Writing on the social media platform NSosyal, Gürlek said the government would persist in its fight against market manipulation and unjust gains, with work continuing on concrete evidence to hold those responsible to account and protect the rights of those harmed.

Investigation figures

In investigations into manipulative transactions in capital markets, criminal action has been taken against 404 people to date, Gürlek said in a statement. Eighty-eight suspects have been arrested, 26 detained and 195 placed under judicial supervision.

Efforts to capture the 42 suspects who remain fugitives are continuing without interruption, the minister added.

Asset freezes and account blocks

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has taken significant measures over the financial dimension of the investigations, Gürlek said. Decisions have been issued covering 351 real persons and 102 legal entities to freeze bank accounts, confiscate assets and block the transfer of property.

The stated aim is to safeguard assets connected to the investigations and to bring financial movements under control.

Repayments and continuing proceedings

Repayment processes are continuing through accounts set up at the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) by real and legal persons deemed to have obtained unjust gains. The amounts returned and the findings within the scope of the investigations are being closely monitored by the chief public prosecutors' offices, with judicial inquiries running in parallel.

Gürlek said every legal stage would be followed through, from identifying suspects and uncovering financial links to asset measures and repayment processes. "We remain determined to do what justice requires so that no citizen loses their rights and those responsible answer before the law," the minister said.

Government direction

Gürlek said the process, carried out under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aims to protect citizens' rights and savings and to prevent unjust gains from unlawful transactions in capital markets.

Key takeaways

• Criminal proceedings have been opened against 404 people in capital market manipulation investigations
• 88 suspects are jailed, 26 in custody and 195 under judicial supervision; 42 fugitives are being sought
• Asset freeze and confiscation decisions cover 351 real persons and 102 legal entities
• Repayments through TMSF accounts are continuing alongside parallel judicial inquiries