Turkish authorities seize leading broadcaster amid fraud and tax investigation
State takes control of Habertürk, Show TV and other companies owned by Can Holding over alleged financial crimes; independent media voices raise alarm over press freedom.
Turkish authorities have seized one of the country’s major media groups in a wideranging probe into fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.
The assets belong to Can Holding, which owns prominent broadcasters Habertürk, Show TV and Bloomberg HT.
One hundred and twenty-one companies across sectors such as media, education, energy, health, and logistics were transferred to the Turkish state’s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund.
Arrest warrants have been issued for ten senior executives in the group.
Prosecutors in Istanbul’s Küçükçekmece district allege that Can Holding companies used forged documents to reduce their tax bills and moved large, unexplained sums of money among subsidiaries to conceal their origin.
Investigators also say proceeds from criminal sources were used to finance some activities.
Despite the seizure, the affected TV channels continue to broadcast, now under the management of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund.
Media observers and press freedom advocates have expressed concern the move represents yet another step in a trend toward increased government control of Turkish media.
According to reports, as many as ninety percent of media outlets in Turkey are considered to be under government influence, and the country ranks near the bottom of international press freedom indices.
Supporters of the government argue that the seizures are justified by the seriousness of the financial allegations and serve as part of efforts to enforce transparency and combat corruption.
The operation comes amid broader economic and political pressure on media companies in Turkey, with rising inflation, regulatory scrutiny, and increased oversight of independent outlets.
Show TV, Habertürk and Bloomberg HT remain on the air, though management changes have been implemented.
The legal and regulatory process is ongoing, and the condition and future operations of the seized companies are closely watched both domestically and by international observers concerned about independence of the press and the rule of law.
The assets belong to Can Holding, which owns prominent broadcasters Habertürk, Show TV and Bloomberg HT.
One hundred and twenty-one companies across sectors such as media, education, energy, health, and logistics were transferred to the Turkish state’s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund.
Arrest warrants have been issued for ten senior executives in the group.
Prosecutors in Istanbul’s Küçükçekmece district allege that Can Holding companies used forged documents to reduce their tax bills and moved large, unexplained sums of money among subsidiaries to conceal their origin.
Investigators also say proceeds from criminal sources were used to finance some activities.
Despite the seizure, the affected TV channels continue to broadcast, now under the management of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund.
Media observers and press freedom advocates have expressed concern the move represents yet another step in a trend toward increased government control of Turkish media.
According to reports, as many as ninety percent of media outlets in Turkey are considered to be under government influence, and the country ranks near the bottom of international press freedom indices.
Supporters of the government argue that the seizures are justified by the seriousness of the financial allegations and serve as part of efforts to enforce transparency and combat corruption.
The operation comes amid broader economic and political pressure on media companies in Turkey, with rising inflation, regulatory scrutiny, and increased oversight of independent outlets.
Show TV, Habertürk and Bloomberg HT remain on the air, though management changes have been implemented.
The legal and regulatory process is ongoing, and the condition and future operations of the seized companies are closely watched both domestically and by international observers concerned about independence of the press and the rule of law.
Translation:
Translated by AI
