Ankara: 9 Suspects Detained in FETÖ ByLock Investigation
Ankara, March 25 – The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued detention warrants for nine suspects as part of an ongoing investigation into the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ). The suspects are accused of using ByLock, the organization’s encrypted communication application.
According to a statement from the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Terror Crimes Investigation Bureau, which is conducting investigations into FETÖ’s civilian structure, identified nine suspects who were found to have engaged in organizational activities and used ByLock. Detention warrants were subsequently issued for these individuals across two provinces, centered in Ankara.
Operation Underway by Financial Crimes Unit
Efforts to apprehend the suspects are currently underway, being carried out by teams from the Ankara Police Department’s Financial Crimes Branch Directorate.
The operation highlights the continued efforts by Turkish authorities to dismantle the FETÖ network, which is accused of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in July 2016. ByLock, a highly encrypted messaging application, has been identified by Turkish authorities as a key communication tool used by FETÖ members.
Background of FETÖ Investigations
Since the 2016 coup attempt, thousands of individuals have been detained, arrested, or dismissed from public service in connection with alleged links to FETÖ. The Turkish government maintains that FETÖ, led by Fethullah Gülen who resides in the United States, is a terrorist organization responsible for a wide range of illicit activities aimed at undermining the state.
The investigations frequently focus on identifying individuals who used ByLock, as this is considered by the prosecution to be strong evidence of membership or affiliation with the organization. The latest operation in Ankara underscores the persistent nature of these investigations and the ongoing commitment to prosecuting alleged members of the group.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the identities of the suspects or the specific nature of their alleged organizational activities beyond the use of ByLock. The operation is expected to continue as law enforcement agencies work to locate and detain all individuals named in the warrants.
This ongoing crackdown reflects the government’s resolve to prevent any resurgence of the organization and to hold accountable those believed to be involved in its activities.
Source: https://www.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2026/03/25/ankarada-feto-operasyonu-9-supheli-hakkinda-gozalti-karari
