A court has ordered a block on access to news reports regarding Ahmet Mücahid Ören, CEO of İhlas Holding, after his name appeared in documents released by the US Department of Justice related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The ruling, issued by the İstanbul 8th Penal Judgeship of Peace yesterday, cited “protection of national security and public order” as the grounds for the decision.
The court order followed media coverage of documents from the Epstein files, which included a 2004 email exchange between Ören and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate who was later convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
In one of the emails, Ören wrote, “Thank you so much. And I need to learn more from you to be naughtier.”
The message exchange was part of a emails in which Ören appeared to be seeking a professional introduction to British businessperson Richard Branson.
On Feb 1, Ören issued a public statement denying any connection to Epstein. “I have read the articles and comments written since this morning with both amusement and astonishment," he wrote. "Anyone who understands English would clearly see the purpose of that email. I was asking someone I knew from Davos to help introduce me to Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin, for a business matter.
“It is obvious that this has nothing to do with that disgusting man you mentioned. These slanders have failed. That is all there is to it.”
Sabahtan beri yazılanları, yorumları gülerek ve hayretle okudum. O maili, ingilizce bilen her kişi ne amaçla yazıldığını anlar. Davos toplantılarından tanıdığım kişiden, Virgin firmasının sahibi Richard Branson ile bir iş konusunda tanıştırması için yardımını istiyorum. Diğer…
— Ahmet Mücahid Ören (@mucahid_oren) February 1, 2026
Ören did not clarify what he meant by being "naughtier" despite questions from social media users.
İhlas Holding is a prominent business conglomerate with investments in various sectors. The group owns TGRT Haber broadcaster and Türkiye newspaper, which are known for their pro-government stance.
Report: Ankara prosecutors investigate claims of children trafficked from Turkey to Epstein island
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