Alleged "Gang" Weapons Unearthed in Foundation Property

Following a tip-off, allegedly by e-mail, the Istanbul Anti-Terrorism Branch started excavations on land in Poyrazköy, in the Istanbul district of Beykoz, on 22 April.

The land belongs to the İstek educational foundation, owned by former Istanbul mayor Bedrettin Dalan.

Branches of the İstek schools around Istanbul had previously been searched before as part of the Ergenekon investigation.

Grenades, missile launchers, ammunition...

The first day of excavations had revealed a cache of weapons.

• 10 shoulder held missile launchers
• 10 hand grenades
• 10 hand grenade fuses
• 20 smoke bombs
• 250 grams C4 plastic explosives
• 19 illumination flares
• 3 demonstration bombs
• 800 bullets of different sizes

The weapons were found 1.5 metres under ground.

Excavations have continued for the last two days and are said to be continuing today.

Three prosecutors were present at the site yesterday (23 April).

Six detentions

Following the excavations of the first day, six people had been taken into custody. They are all soldiers, two of them retired, and four on active duty. The active soldiers are being questioned at the Beşiktaş Head Quarters, while the others are being held at the Police Head Quarters.

According to the Sabah newspaper, retired Major Levent Bektaş, active Lieutenant Colonels Mustafa Türkan Ecevit and Ercan Kireçtepe and Major Emre Onan are among those in custody.

Foundation denies use of land

The İstek Educational Foundation has issued a statement in which it says that the land has not been used by the foundation since its purchase and was still being used as a training ground for the naval forces. (EÖ/AG)