Interior Minister Çiftçi: Süleymancılar transferred 100 billion lira to 70-million-euro headquarters in Cologne

Quick summary

Interior Minister Çiftçi announced that the Süleymancılar organization transferred approximately 100 billion lira to Germany and established a 70 million euro center in Cologne. Sözcü TV news anchor Murat Ağırel visited the complex and confirmed that construction was ongoing and students were present.

Why it matters

These statements provide concrete information to the public about capital transfers abroad by religious organizations in Turkey and their scale. The international activities and scope of the organization in question could reignite debates on state oversight of religious groups.

Key takeaways

• ›Interior Minister Çiftçi alleges the Süleymancılar transferred roughly 100 billion lira abroad, chiefly to Germany.
• ›The group reportedly built a three-block, 17-dunam compound in Cologne valued at 70 million euros, intended as its new operational base.
• ›The Chief Public Prosecutor's office has yet to formally announce an indictment in the current phase of the investigation.