Turkey's food industry grapples with the influence of FETO: Could this be a fresh battleground for inflation?
In a significant move, Turkish authorities arrested 156 suspects in July 2025 as part of counter-FETO operations across 30 provinces [1]. The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) is reportedly using the food and retail industries as financial and political tools in Turkey.
According to recent Turkish state intelligence reports, FETO-linked individuals own or control key food and retail businesses like HAKMAR and TATBAK Food Inc. These companies are allegedly used to fund the network, manipulate food prices, and exacerbate inflation to destabilize Turkey’s economy [1].
The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) report specifically names Zeki Doruk, owner of these companies, accusing him of raising prices deliberately despite potential fines. The government has appointed trustees to these companies amid ongoing investigations [1].
FETO is also exploiting market chains and franchised restaurants to maintain cash flow, provide jobs for loyalists, and disguise internal communications as courier shipments. The franchise model serves as a strategic expansion and mobility mechanism for FETO's financial operations across Turkey [1].
Economic data reflects these disruptions, with official statistics showing annual food inflation reaching 30.2% in June 2025, the highest among OECD countries, indicating significant price volatility linked to these activities [1].
The situation is part of a broader pattern of FETO's long-standing infiltration into state institutions and efforts to undermine the government, including a failed 2016 coup attempt. Since then, Turkey has intensified operations to purge and contain FETO's influence within various sectors, including the economy [2].
Authorities claim that Doruk's chain stores are used by FETO. Zeki Doruk is accused of employing group members in his chain stores and making regular financial transfers to FETO-linked individuals [1]. Doruk has been quoted as saying, "Even if I'm fined, I will raise prices to increase inflation."
Omer Demir, head of a provincial Chamber of Agriculture, accused systemic price manipulation beyond retail shelves [3]. He pointed to potential broader infiltration of agricultural and wholesale markets by illicit actors.
In a coordinated operation, Turkish security forces detained 26 individuals, including Zeki Doruk, in July 2025 [4]. The Ministry of Interior has confirmed ongoing investigations into economic terrorism and pledged further crackdowns on such activities orchestrated by clandestine networks.
Global food prices rose by 5.8% according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the same period, while Turkey recorded a 43.6% spike in 2024 alone [5]. The Ministry of Interior has appointed trustees to both HAKMAR and TATBAK due to ongoing investigations.
The use of franchise models is described as a strategic expansion mechanism for FETO, allowing financial operations and logistical mobility across Turkey [1]. The Turkish state's efforts to combat FETO's economic influence continue to be a significant focus in maintaining the country's stability and economic growth.
[1] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkish-authorities-arrest-156-suspects-in-counter-feto-operations/2355443 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-intensifies-operations-against-fetullah-terrorist-organization-2021-04-23/ [3] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/news/food-prices-soar-in-turkey-amid-inflation-194300 [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-arrests-26-people-over-alleged-links-to-terror-group-2025-07-01/ [5] https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/TFS
- The food-and-drink industry in Turkey, particularly companies like HAKMAR and TATBAK Food Inc., have been identified as financial and political tools for the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).
- Zeki Doruk, owner of these companies, is accused of manipulating food prices and exacerbating inflation as part of FETO's strategy to destabilize Turkey's economy.
- FETO is also exploiting market chains and franchise restaurants to maintain cash flow, provide jobs for loyalists, and disguise internal communications.
- The government of Turkey has appointed trustees to these food companies and is investigating economic terrorism, with ongoing operations to purge and contain FETO's influence.
- Global food prices have risen, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), but Turkey has seen a significant spike in food prices, with food inflation reaching 30.2% in June 2025.
- The Turkish state is focusing efforts on combating FETO's economic influence in order to maintain the country's stability and economic growth.
