Turkish authorities have detained three more people, among them a retired colonel, as part of what prosecutors call an “espionage” probe into Ankara-based defense contractor the Assan Group, adding to a case that has already seen the arrest of the company’s owner and general manager.
The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said Friday that police carried out early morning raids targeting individuals linked to the company. Those taken into custody are a former employee of the state-run Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) who is still on Assan’s payroll, a retired colonel from the Ministry of Defense listed as an Assan employee and a former Assan staff member. Authorities said search and seizure operations were conducted at the same time.
The new detentions follow last week’s arrest of Assan owner Emin Öner and general manager Gürcan Okumuş, who were jailed pending trial on accusations of unlawfully handling state-security documents. Öner also faces charges of belonging to the faith-based Gülen movement, which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization but which is not recognized as such internationally.
Prosecutors have also jailed İsmet Sayhan, former chair of MKE, on charges of “obtaining and misusing documents related to state security.” Turkish media reported that he is accused of leaking Turkish Armed Forces procurement plans to Assan, though no evidence has been publicly disclosed.
Assan denies any wrongdoing. In a written statement the company said the documents in question were its internal production and delivery schedules for 2025–27, drawn up at the request of the Turkish Land Forces, and denied claims it possessed secret military plans.
Founded in 1985, Assan operates in defense, health and construction equipment and says it exports to more than 60 countries. In February the company showcased NATO and Russian-standard munitions at the IDEX 2025 arms fair in Abu Dhabi, and in July hosted Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and senior commanders at its stand during the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in İstanbul.
As part of the case, Turkey’s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) was appointed trustee to oversee 10 Assan companies.