Alihan Kuris, leader of the Suleymancilar religious group in Turkiye, has been arrested.

Axar.az reports, citing Turkish media, that Kuris was arrested as part of an investigation into an alleged criminal organization he is accused of leading.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said that 32 of the 38 suspects detained in the investigation were remanded in custody, while judicial control measures were imposed on the remaining six. Kuris was among those arrested.

The investigation was launched following allegations that Kuris became involved in activities beyond the Suleymancilar community’s social and religious activities after taking over its leadership.

A police operation was carried out in 17 provinces, during which Kuris and 36 others were detained. Searches at 123 addresses uncovered digital materials, unlicensed firearms and large amounts of foreign currency. Investigators reportedly identified financial transactions totaling 100 billion Turkish liras and said some of the group’s alleged methods resembled those previously used by the FETO organization.

The investigation is continuing on charges including establishing and leading a criminal organization, membership in a criminal organization, money laundering, fraud against public institutions and violations of tax legislation.