Four suspects referred to court over wedding gold investigation

An investigation launched in Van, Türkiye, over social media posts concerning Mehmet Fatih Tançalan is being expanded.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing local sources in the Turkish media, that the investigation is continuing.

According to the report, the case involves allegations of “laundering property values obtained through crime.” Çağla Öz Tançalan, S.A., the owner of the house where gold was found, N.O., Mehmet Fatih Tançalan’s mother-in-law, and his cousin M.T. have been referred to judicial authorities after procedures at the Van Police Department were completed.

Van provincial police detained Mehmet Fatih Tançalan at his home in the Muradiye district on Sept. 8. A financial investigation was launched over images circulated on social media and the large amount of gold reportedly presented at his wedding. The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) was also asked to conduct an examination. After procedures at the police department were completed, Tançalan was sent to court and remanded in custody by a judge.

Authorities said jewelry and money reportedly presented to Tançalan’s wife, Çağla Öz Tançalan, at their wedding were found on Sept. 12 during a search of a house and an adjacent building in Muradiye, leading to the detention of the property owner. Çağla Öz Tançalan, who was detained two days earlier by officers from the Financial Crimes Branch of the Istanbul Police Department, was brought to Van.