Anadolu Agency films FETO-linked businessmen in US

By Ertugrul Cingil

NEW YORK (AA) - Anadolu Agency has captured on film the luxurious lives of two Turkish businessmen in California, who are being sought by Turkey over their links to Fetullah Terror Organization (FETO), the group behind the July 2016 deadly defeated coup.

Osman Nakiboglu and his son Bahaeddin are members of the Nakiboglu family in southeastern Turkey's Gaziantep province; they used to own the Naksan Holding that comprises of more than 50 companies operating in various sectors such industry, energy, construction and transportation. Later, a Gaziantep court appointed a trustee board at Naksan Holding after the coup attempt.

The Nakiboglu family is known to be a long-time supporter of the FETO terror group and has been accused of transferring large sums of money to the group through its Naksan Holding.

The father-and-son pair, who have assumed various leadership positions at the Naksan-linked companies, fled to the U.S. in 2014.

The pair currently leads a life of luxury at a $2.5 million worth "The Islands" townhouse with water views in Foster City in San Mateo County, California.

The father reportedly fled with $22 million obtained through sales of assets in Gaziantep and later launched a business in Silicon Valley. Named "Innoworld", the company is involved in providing rental premises for entrepreneurs.

The duo is said to be providing consultancy and logistical support to FETO members who fled Turkey following the defeated coup.

Also, Osman and Bahaeddin are among 25 suspects charged with "managing an armed terror organization, financing terrorism, whitewashing incomes originating from crimes and opposing tax law" by the Gaziantep Chief Prosecutor's Office.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

FETO is reportedly present in more than 150 countries around the world, through schools, NGOs, lobbyists, media outlets and other companies.