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A wide-ranging drug and prostitution investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has resulted in the arrest of 19 people linked to the media, entertainment, and business worlds, according to court records released on the evening of Jan. 7.
The probe focuses on allegations of drug possession, facilitating drug use, encouraging prostitution, and providing venues for prostitution. Prosecutors confirmed that several high-profile figures were questioned, while others were released under judicial control.
Prosecutors referred 26 suspects to court after completing forensic tests and witness statements. Judges ordered the detention of 19 individuals and imposed house arrest or travel bans on others.
Those arrested include:
Courts released actor Dogukan Gungor, singer Alya Sahinler, Ceren Yildirim, and Saniye Deniz after prosecutors imposed overseas travel bans.
Judges placed three other suspects under house arrest as authorities stated that judicial processes remain ongoing.
Prosecutors said the case covers alleged violations of Turkish criminal law related to:
According to investigators, police carried out coordinated operations in Istanbul, Izmir, Denizli, and Mugla. Suspects underwent blood and hair tests at the Forensic Medicine Institute before appearing in court.
Officials confirmed that at least 36 people have been arrested since the earlier stages of the investigation, while two suspects remain at large.
Court files reviewed by prosecutors indicate that the Bebek Hotel may have served as one of several venues linked to alleged drug use and prostitution-related gatherings.
According to statements cited in the investigation file, guests were required to surrender mobile phones upon entry.
Prosecutors are examining claims that strict confidentiality rules applied inside the venue and that individuals who violated these rules faced permanent bans from the hotel and related properties.
The case file also references alleged links between the hotel owner and other luxury venues, including properties in Bodrum. Investigators are assessing whether these locations were used in similar ways, based on witness statements and financial records.
Prosecutors have not issued final conclusions regarding these allegations and stressed that all claims remain subject to judicial review.
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