Turkish TV Host Denies Blackmail, Says Crypto Use Is Islamic

Beyaz TV presenter Tahir Sarıkaya, arrested on blackmail charges, told prosecutors he actively uses his crypto account because interest is forbidden under Islamic law. Sarıkaya was detained Monday and arrested Tuesday in an Istanbul investigation that also saw pro-government commentator Cem Küçük jailed on August 1. Authorities alleged large cash inflows and transfers in Sarıkaya's bank accounts, some routed to crypto wallets. He admitted knowing Küçük since 2015 and exchanging money with him, calling it loans and program fees.

Sarıkaya said he received 100,000 liras as a scholarship from Ahbap Association founder Haluk Levent for his son's school expenses, denying he laundered the group's money. He acknowledged 21 payments from businessman Fatih Eke for attending an event as a journalist and promoting Nigella products on social media. Sarıkaya disputed the 27.569 million liras in his Paribu account, with his lawyer saying the current balance is 700,000 liras. He claimed he handed 720,000 liras from Cihan Ekşioğlu to another person at an Ankara hotel.