Major food chain linked to FETO terrorist organization, 353 arrested
In a FETO operation, a terrorist puts their arm around a police officer's shoulder
A major investigation led by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has uncovered a link between the popular food chain Maydonoz Doner and the FETO terrorist group.
After 1.5 years of investigation, 353 individuals, including 10 public servants, were arrested across 31 provinces.
The investigation revealed that Maydonoz Doner, which operates under a brand-name system, had been providing unofficial partnerships to individuals with ongoing FETO ties or those previously investigated for FETO activities.
Key findings of operation
- The company, which operates both in Türkiye and internationally (including in Germany, the U.S., Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Georgia, and Azerbaijan), used a “Reference-Based Growth” system for granting partnerships. This system ensured that only those with FETO-related references could join the company as partners.
- The company facilitated money transfers to the group, using seven countries to expand and channel funds.
- Investigations showed that Maydonoz Doner had been involved in illegal financial transactions totaling approximately 220 million Turkish lira, including transfers disguised as “product purchases” and “sacrificial funds.”
- FETO-related businesses were found to be linked with Maydonoz Doner, and these businesses also helped facilitate the transfer of funds to the terrorist group.
- The company also provided support to members of the organization by providing jobs at its branches and using these positions to transfer money.
Operation details
The operation, coordinated by Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the General Directorate of Security’s Organized Crime Unit (KOM), MASAK, and MIT, targeted Maydonoz Doner and its affiliate businesses across 31 provinces.
Among those arrested, 102 individuals were identified as users of the secret messaging application ByLock, which is known to be used by FETO members.
FETO-linked individuals who had previously confessed in earlier investigations were found to be involved in the company, but did not receive shares in the business. The company restricted official partnerships to individuals who had strong FETO ties and did not accept those who had confessed their involvement with the group.
The financial operations involved secretive money transfers, where Swift transfers were made under the guise of “5% share” transactions, masking their true nature to avoid detection.
Public reaction
Maydonoz Doner, a company that grew exponentially, now faces severe scrutiny due to its role in aiding FETO and facilitating terrorism financing. The company’s unofficial partnerships, including involvement in money laundering, have come to light in this operation.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized the ongoing commitment of the Turkish government to fight against FETO.
After the death of the FETO leader, there is no room for any weakening in the fight against this treacherous terrorist organization. We will continue our efforts with determination against those who threaten the unity of our nation, the integrity of our state, and the peace and prosperity of our citizens.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya
The investigation continues as authorities examine the full extent of FETO’s financial network and its use of Maydonoz Doner to further its agenda.
FETO terror group
Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) has clandestinely conducted its activities in Türkiye since the 1960s, culminating in the coup attempt of July 15, 2016 which resulted in the death of 252 people and left 2,735 others injured. The attempt was foiled by a rare instance of public resistance to putschists.
Since 2016, FETO has been recognized as a terrorist organization by the likes of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Pakistan. The group’s leader, Fetullah Gulen, resides in the United States with talks of extradition still ongoing.
