Turkey seizes 3 TV channels amid fraud probe into parent company
3 Min Read
Turkish prosecutors seized Can Holding, a conglomerate owning multiple major TV channels in a fraud probe; ten executives face arrest as press freedom groups warn the move may deepen Turkey’s media crackdown.
-
An aerial photograph of a general view of buildings at Bağcılar district in Istanbul, Turkey, March 10, 2023. (AFP Photo)
Prosecutors in Turkey have launched a sweeping fraud investigation into Can Holding, a major conglomerate that owns several high-profile assets, including three major Turkish television channels.
Authorities announced on Thursday that they had seized control of the company and issued arrest warrants for 10 of its executives.
The Istanbul district prosecutor’s office in Kucukcekmece stated that evidence had been found suggesting that an organization was formed within Can Holding with the intent to commit crimes, including fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.
Can Holding, which has expanded into multiple sectors such as energy and education, made headlines last year when it acquired several major broadcasters, including Haberturk, Show TV, and Bloomberg HT, the Turkish affiliate of Bloomberg News.
Following the investigation, the assets of all 121 companies operating under Can Holding were placed under the management of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund of Turkey, effectively transferring control of the business to a third party.
Read more: Turkiye arrests 343 suspects, claims have incited violence in protests
Media crackdown raises press freedom concerns
The operation has raised concerns among press freedom advocates about yet another potential media crackdown in Turkey.
“The operation targeting Can Holding, the owner of Haberturk & Bloomberg HT, may have its own justifications. The corruption in the sector is undeniable. However, the process may also serve an environment where control over media ownership is further tightened with the aim of establishing a single voice,” said Erol Onderoglu, Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Turkey has faced growing criticism in recent years for increased control over media outlets and pressure on journalists.
The latest seizure adds to mounting fears of declining media independence under the guise of legal or financial investigations.
Read more: Turkish police use tear gas to disperse CHP protest in Istanbul
Global press freedom on steep downward trend
According to a new report by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), democratic freedoms weakened in 94 countries over the past five years, stating that only one-third showed improvement.
“Democracy faces a perfect storm of autocratic resurgence and acute uncertainty, due to massive social and economic changes,” IDEA’s secretary-general, Kevin Casas-Zamora, said. “To fight back, democracies need to protect key elements of democracy, like elections and the rule of law, but also profoundly reform government so that it delivers fairness, inclusion, and shared prosperity.”
The findings by the group are based on the Global State of Democracy Report for 2025, published every five years and regarded as the most comprehensive survey of its kind. The study covers 174 countries and tracks democratic performance dating back to 1975.
