Arrest Warrant Issued for Hande Erçel Hande Erçel: Outside Turkey for Studies

Investigations in the prohibited substances case that shook the Turkish entertainment scene have expanded to include the Turkish star Hande Erçel and her former partner, businessman Hakan Sabancı. Arrest warrants were issued for them alongside other well-known figures, as part of a synchronized operation carried out late at night in Istanbul.

According to the Turkish site Cumhuriyet, the public prosecutor issued a warrant for Hande Erçel, star of the series "You Knock on My Door," after authorities could not locate her at her address, as she was on vacation outside Istanbul during the operation.

Raids and Surveillance

The Istanbul Police Department’s Anti-Prohibited Substances Unit carried out raids and surveillance across 16 locations, resulting in the detention of 14 suspects, while arrest warrants were issued for two others not yet found. The arrests included Hakan Sabancı and his brother Kerim Sabancı, former Galatasaray president Burak Elmas, models Didem Suiden and Güzide Duran, and former Beşiktaş president and businessman Fikret Orman.

Amid these developments, fans of Hande Erçel were shocked by the news, especially with rumors claiming she was outside the country to evade the police. The star broke her silence, clarifying via Instagram that she is abroad for studies and is ready to return to give her testimony and provide necessary statements to clarify any misunderstandings. She added: "I am someone who loves my country, trusts my state and Turkish justice… I believe my situation will become clear as soon as possible."

The expanded investigations include criminal charges related to the production and trafficking of prohibited substances, providing places or equipment to facilitate their use, and taking actions that hinder law enforcement. They also cover possession of prohibited substances for personal use, consumption, and involvement in promoting or mediating prostitution.