Turkey detains businessmen linked to coup

ISTANBUL (AFP) — Turkish authorities yesterday widened their post- coup crackdown to the business sector, detaining three top tycoons as part of investigations into the activities of US- based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Security forces in the central city of Kayseri detained the chairman of the familyowned Boydak Holding company, Mustafa Boydak, and two other top executives, state-run Anadolu news agency said.

He and the two other executives — Sukru and Halit Boydak — were detained at their homes. Efforts were continuing to detain former chairman Haci Boydak as well as Ilyas and Bekir Boydak for whom warrants have also been issued.

The detentions were part of an investigation into the financing of Gulen’s activities in Turkey. Ankara blames the reclusive cleric for the failed July 15 coup aimed at unseating Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

These appear to be the first major arrests targeting the business world in a crackdown that has already sought to eradicate Gulen’s influence from the military, legal system, education and civil service.