Sadettin Karagoz, the founder of a Turkish charity, has been arrested following allegations of sexual exploitation of vulnerable women seeking aid. The accusations, uncovered by a BBC investigation, reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse within the organization, which was initially seen as a beacon of hope for Syrian refugees in Ankara. Karagoz denies all charges, claiming his charity has helped over 37,000 people and that the allegations are baseless. However, multiple women have come forward with harrowing accounts of sexual assault and harassment, painting a starkly different picture. The charity, known as the Hope Charity Store, was established in 2014 and has been widely recognized for its humanitarian efforts, even receiving a local newspaper award in 2020. Despite its public acclaim, internal testimonies suggest a darker reality. Three women, including a Syrian refugee named Madina, have accused Karagoz of sexual assault, with seven others corroborating their stories. The victims, fearful of stigma and deportation, initially remained silent, but the BBC’s investigation has spurred legal action. Karagoz, a retired bank worker, has previously faced similar accusations in 2019 and 2025, but insufficient evidence led to dropped charges. This time, however, two additional women have testified, resulting in his arrest. Karagoz has cited health issues, including the removal of a testicle in 2016, as evidence of his inability to engage in sexual activity, but medical experts dispute this claim. The case highlights the vulnerability of refugee women and the systemic challenges in addressing sexual violence in Turkey.
Women welcome arrest of charity boss identified in BBC sex-for-aid investigation
