Actor Ufuk Bayraktar Faces Up to 11 Years in Prison Over Extortion Attempt
Istanbul, Turkey - August 20, 2025 – Actor Ufuk Bayraktar and Volkan akbaş are facing between 7 years and 6 months and 11 years and 3 months imprisonment after an indictment was prepared by the istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor‘s Office regarding an alleged extortion attempt.
The case stems from an incident where Bayraktar allegedly approached Istanbul business owner Ahmet P. demanding money for “protection.” According to the indictment, Bayraktar initially requested 25,000 Turkish Lira per week, claiming neighborhood youth would provide security and operate through WhatsApp groups. When Ahmet P.refused, stating “I will not host you here,” the demand was lowered to 10,000 Turkish Lira per week.
Ahmet P. again refused, stating he would contact the police. Bayraktar and Akbaş then left, but Bayraktar returned and, after being told again “you will not host you here,” allegedly punched Ahmet P.
Volkan Akbaş initially filed a counter-complaint but later withdrew it,reportedly after providing additional testimony that may have led the complainant,Ahmet P., to misunderstand events. Despite the withdrawn complaint, prosecutors allege sufficient evidence to pursue charges of attempted extortion with multiple individuals acting in concert.
The indictment details suspicions that Bayraktar and Akbaş attempted to illegally obtain money from Ahmet P.’s business. The prosecution is seeking a sentence of 7 years and 6 months to 11 years and 3 months for both suspects.
