Turkish Police Seize Nearly €1 Million from Galatasaray Ultras Leader After Criticism of Pro-Fenerbahçe Minister

The leader of Galatasaray's main ultras group was targeted in a police raid on Monday following his criticisms of the Turkish Minister of Justice and his alleged ties to the Fenerbahçe club. A weapon and nearly one million euros in cash or jewelry were seized from his home by authorities.

This is quite a sensational story. Over €840,000 in cash, as well as gold, jewelry, and other currencies valued at over €300,000, were confiscated from the home of the leader of ultrAslan, Galatasaray's principal supporter group, Turkish media reported on Monday.

During a search that lasted over eight hours, Turkish police also discovered a pistol, ammunition, and four bulletproof vests, according to news agencies DHA and IHA. Sebahattin Sirin, who was detained on Sunday, is notably accused of black market ticket sales, "disturbing public order" within sports venues, and disseminating false information publicly.

Accusations Against a Minister Who 'Wants to Make Fenerbahçe Champion'

The head of Galatasaray's ultras had accused the Turkish Minister of Justice, Akin Gürlek, on X (formerly Twitter) the previous day of being part of "a group within the state that wants to make Fenerbahçe champion this season."

"Lately, rumors have reached our ears that a group within our state wants to make Fenerbahçe champion this season, and your name is mentioned among this group," the ultras leader remarked about the government member.

Before then playing the card of feigned innocence: "We do not believe it, and we do not want to believe it."

Galatasaray President Files Complaint Against Ultras Leader

Neither the minister nor the Fenerbahçe club have publicly responded to this accusation made by the ultras group leader. Galatasaray, the reigning four-time Turkish champion, each time ahead of its Istanbul rival, has also not commented on the police raid at Sebahattin Sirin's residence.

However, while some supporters may question the timing of the police visit to the emblematic leader, the judiciary has not confirmed the reasons for this police intervention. The Istanbul prosecutor's office has also not specified whether Sebahattin Sirin's arrest was linked to a complaint filed in 2024 by the president of Galatasaray for alleged black market ticket sales.