Turkey's food industry confronts potential influence from FETO as inflations worries intensify
In a series of raids across nine provinces, Turkish security forces have detained 26 individuals, including Zeki Doruk, the owner of HAKMAR and TATBAK Food Inc., on accusations of maintaining active links with the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) and financially supporting the group [1].
The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has accused Doruk of attempting to manipulate food prices to fuel inflation, a claim that has contributed to Turkey's current status as the OECD country with the highest food inflation rate [2]. The annual food inflation in Turkey reached 30.2% in June 2025 [2].
Doruk is also alleged to have employed group members in his chain stores and made regular financial transfers to FETO-linked individuals [1]. This is part of a broader pattern of economic infiltration by FETÖ in Turkey’s business landscape, using market chains and franchised restaurants to maintain a steady flow of cash and provide jobs to loyalists [3].
FETÖ is suspected of using these businesses not only for financial purposes but also for political influence. Investigations have revealed that FETÖ-linked individuals use retail chains, such as supermarkets, to transfer cash secretly by faking online food sales, effectively manipulating cash flows to finance their activities [1].
Omer Demir, head of a provincial Chamber of Agriculture, has warned of systemic price manipulation beyond retail shelves, suggesting potential broader infiltration of agricultural and wholesale markets [4]. However, specific details on price manipulation or messaging strategies in the retail context are not comprehensively disclosed in the sources.
The Turkish state has appointed trustees to both HAKMAR and TATBAK due to ongoing investigations [1]. The Ministry of Interior has pledged further crackdowns on "economic terrorism orchestrated by clandestine networks" [5].
The use of franchise models is described as a strategic expansion mechanism for FETO in Turkey. FETO is also using logistical mobility and the franchise models to disguise internal communications as courier shipments [3].
However, no direct connection was found in the search results relating to FETÖ's involvement in Turkey’s dietary supplement or online retail sectors beyond the supermarket chains mentioned [2]. Other investigations related to FETÖ focus on infiltration in government and security sectors rather than retail pricing or direct messaging manipulation [3].
In total, the Turkish state has arrested 156 suspects in counter-FETO operations across 30 provinces [6]. The ongoing investigations serve as a reminder of the complex and far-reaching influence that FETÖ is suspected to have in various sectors of Turkish society.
Sources:
- Anadolu Agency
- Reuters
- Al-Monitor
- Hurriyet Daily News
- Anadolu Agency
- Anadolu Agency
- The Turkish economy, already grappling with high inflation, was shaken by the accusations against Zeki Doruk, owner of HAKMAR and TATBAK Food Inc., who is suspected of manipulating food prices to fuel inflation.
- Turkish authorities, in their counter-FETO operations, have detained 156 suspects in 30 provinces, including Doruk, on charges of maintaining links with FETÖ and financially supporting the group.
- Beyond retail chains like Doruk's, FETO is also suspected of infiltrating Turkey's agricultural and wholesale markets, a warning echoed by Omer Demir, head of a provincial Chamber of Agriculture.
- Investigations have revealed that FETÖ uses businesses, including food companies, as a means for financial purposes and political influence, employing group members and making regular financial transfers to FETO-linked individuals.
- Beyond the food industry, FETO is also using franchise models as a strategic expansion mechanism, disguising internal communications as courier shipments to maintain a steady flow of cash and provide jobs to loyalists.
- The ongoing investigations and arrests in Turkey have prompted the Ministry of Interior to pledge further crackdowns on "economic terrorism orchestrated by clandestine networks," including the FETO infiltration in various sectors of Turkish society.
- While specific details on price manipulation or messaging strategies in the retail context are not fully disclosed, the general-news outlets report that FETO's involvement extends beyond food-and-drink companies to other sectors, with investigations focusing on infiltration in government and security sectors.
