A turkish charity boss has been arrested following a BBC inquiry into allegations he sexually exploited women in exchange for aid. Sadettin Karagoz,head of teh charity Heyet aid,was detained by Turkish authorities after the BBC presented evidence of claims made by multiple women who say they were pressured into sexual acts in order to receive assistance.The arrest marks a potential turning point for victims who previously felt powerless to come forward, and raises serious questions about the oversight of aid organizations operating in vulnerable communities.
The allegations center around claims that Karagoz abused his position of power to exploit women seeking help from Heyet Aid, a charity providing assistance to Syrian refugees and others in need.Four women – identified as Madina, nada, and Batoul, along with another who wished to remain anonymous – detailed experiences of alleged sexual coercion. The BBC’s investigation comes as concerns grow regarding the potential for abuse within the aid sector, where power imbalances can leave recipients vulnerable to exploitation.
Karagoz denied all accusations, stating that if the claims were true, “more women would have come forward.” He dismissed the allegations as the complaints of a small number of individuals, stating, ”Three people, five people, 10 people [could complain]. Such things occur… If you said 100,200 [had accused me],then fine,then you could believe I actually did those things.”
He further claimed his health conditions prevented sexual activity, citing diabetes, high blood pressure, and a 2016 operation to remove his left testicle. though, Professor Ates Kadioglu, a specialist in men’s sexual health, told the BBC that removal of one testicle “doesn’t affect someone’s sex life.” When confronted with this medical opinion, Karagoz maintained that sexual activity was “not possible for me.”
Karagoz also alleged that women who previously accused him of assault did so because he had reported them to the police for alleged involvement in illegal activities. All the women interviewed by the BBC denied any criminal involvement, and the BBC stated it has found no evidence to support Karagoz’s claims.
Karagoz asserted, “All we did was good deeds and this is what we get in return,” and claimed he had “no urge” for power or control. The investigation is ongoing, and Turkish authorities have not yet released further details regarding the charges against Karagoz or the potential scope of the investigation into Heyet Aid’s operations.
