Borsa Istanbul Manipulation Investigation: Gökhan Gönül And Aref Referred To Courthouse

Famous Names At Çağlayan: Suspects Including Former Footballer Gökhan Gönül And Illusionist Aref Face Questioning

ISTANBUL, Turkey – A crucial stage has been reached in the comprehensive investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into manipulative price movements detected in the shares of Avrupa Yatırım Holding A.Ş. on Borsa Istanbul (BIST). Suspects detained—including former footballer Gökhan Gönül and illusionist Aref Ghafouri—were referred to the Çağlayan Courthouse today after processing at the Police Headquarters. The probe has garnered significant attention due to allegations of famous figures engaging in illegal stock market activities.

📝 Section 1: Scope Of The Investigation And Charges

The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, focuses on the crimes of “Organizing to Commit a Crime” and “Market Fraud.”

• Target Shares: The central focus of the probe is the shares of Avrupa Yatırım Holding A.Ş., where authorities detected “fluctuations contrary to the ordinary course of life” in trading volume and share price.
• Victimization: The Prosecutor’s Office confirmed findings that artificial price increases harmed small investors.
• Operation Scope: Financial Crimes police teams conducted operations across Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Samsun, and Kahramanmaraş.

👥 Section 2: Celebrities And Suspects Referred To Court

While a total of 25 individuals were identified as engaging in manipulative actions, the 12 detainees, including high-profile figures, were sent to the courthouse today. The inclusion of Borsa Istanbul Manipulation Gökhan Gönül and Aref added a major celebrity dimension to the case.

• High-Profile Suspects: Those referred to the courthouse include former footballer Gökhan Gönül and illusionist Aref Ghafouri.
• Wider Scope: Seven suspects (including Onur Yılmaz, Mehmet Yılmaz) are already detained in prison. Furthermore, authorities issued arrest warrants for six other suspects. Therefore, the scope of the investigation is very broad.

📉 Section 3: Market Confidence And Legal Emphasis

The determination shown by the Prosecutor’s Office in pursuing this large-scale investigation demonstrates the Capital Markets Board’s (SPK) commitment to fighting manipulation.

• Objective: The main goal of the probe is to restore market confidence, which was shaken by artificial price movements, and to protect small investors. However, the inclusion of so many famous names increases the case’s public impact.
• Ongoing Process: The suspects referred today will face questioning by the prosecutor. Authorities will decide whether to refer them to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace for possible arrest.