Bulent Yıldırım
Photo: Reuters
Report: IHH financially linked to al-Qaeda
Leader of group that funded 2010 Gaza flotilla suspected of diverting funds to infamous terror group
Is the Istanbul-based Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) linked to al-Qaeda? IHH director Bulent Yildirim is reportedly being investigated by Turkish authorities for allegedly creating a financial partnership with the infamous terror group.
Turkey's Hurriyet Daily reported Friday that Yildirim has allegedly been transferring funds to al-Qaeda through his organization.
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The probe, led by special taskforce appointed by Ankara, accuses Yildirim of "providing financial aid to al-Qaeda via his foundation with absolute secrecy."
Prosecutors claim to have evidence suggesting that efforts were made by the IHH to conduct the financial transactions sans the official numbering and identification needed for wire transfers.
The IHH, headed by Yildirim, largely funded the 2010 Gaza-bound flotilla.
He has recently been able negotiate the release of two Turkish journalists kidnapped in Syria, as well as the release of 11 Iranians last February that were kidnapped by the Free Syrian Army.
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