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A recent wave of economic fluctuations and law enforcement operations in Türkiye’s food and retail sectors has revived concerns about the Fetullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO) leveraging key industries for financial and political purposes.
According to state intelligence reports and official statements, FETO may be using food and retail businesses as tools to fund its network and destabilize Türkiye’s economy.
A classified report by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) alleges that Zeki Doruk, owner of HAKMAR and TATBAK Food Inc., maintained active links with FETO. The report accuses Doruk of financially supporting the group and attempting to manipulate food prices to fuel inflation. A particularly alarming claim within the report quotes Doruk saying, “Even if I’m fined, I will raise prices to increase inflation.”
The Turkish state has appointed trustees to both HAKMAR and TATBAK, citing ongoing investigations.
According to a report by Türkiye Daily, FETO has been using market chains and franchised restaurants to maintain a steady flow of cash, provide jobs to loyalists, and disguise internal communications as courier shipments.
The use of franchise models is described as a strategic expansion mechanism, allowing both financial operations and logistical mobility across Türkiye.
Economic data supports concerns about severe price volatility. According to TurkStat, Türkiye’s annual food inflation reached 30.2% in June 2025, the highest among OECD member countries.
In comparison, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported global food prices rose by just 5.8% in the same period, while Türkiye recorded a staggering 43.6% spike in 2024 alone.
Omer Demir, head of a provincial Chamber of Agriculture, warned of systemic price manipulation beyond the retail shelves.
“A product that leaves the field at ₺4 ($0.099) is sold at ₺130 ($3.20) in the store. This gap cannot be explained by intermediaries alone. There is organized distortion,” Demir stated, pointing to a potential broader infiltration of agricultural and wholesale markets by illicit actors.
In a coordinated operation based in Istanbul and spanning nine provinces, Turkish security forces detained 26 individuals, including Zeki Doruk. Authorities say Doruk made regular financial transfers to FETO-linked individuals and employed group members in his chain stores.
The Ministry of Interior has confirmed ongoing investigations and pledged further crackdowns on what it calls “economic terrorism orchestrated by clandestine networks.”
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