ISTANBUL, Türkiye – In a significant development from Turkey, Turkish authorities have arrested the owner and general manager of the Asan Defense and Construction Industries Group. Prosecutors in Istanbul have confirmed the arrest.
This took place as part of an investigation into a military espionage case in Turkey.
The prosecution office said the two men, company owner Amin Oner and general manager Gorkan Okumush, are being held on suspicion of involvement in military espionage.
They are also affiliated with the network of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. Ankara, the capital of Turkey, accuses Gulen of masterminding a coup attempt in 2016.
The statement added that searches are continuing in their homes and offices across Turkey.
The Savings Deposit Insurance Fund also placed 10 companies managed by the Asan Group under the management of trustees.
Asan was founded in 1989 and operates in the fields of defense, construction, logistics, and energy in Turkey.
Its business has expanded in the past few years to include the production of artillery ammunition and drone components.
“The investigation is ongoing at several levels,” the prosecutor’s office said.
