Turkish court releases influencer Dilan Polat from prison pending trial in money laundering case

Duvar English

An Istanbul court on Aug. 19 released internet sensation Dilan Polat from prison pending trial in a money laundering case. 

She and her husband were arrested in November 2023 over money laundering, illegal betting, and criminal organization charges.

Dilan Polat was a social media influencer and owner of a beauty salon chain with stores in 46 provinces of Turkey and abroad. Her husband Engin Polat was her business partner. The Polats also sold beauty products through her e-commerce business.

According to journalist Emrullah Erdinç, the prosecutor demanded her release on pending trial based on a recent Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) report that did not accuse Polat of a crime, based on the time she spent in the situation and the current evidence. 

The prosecutor also cited the Forensic Medicine's opinion that she should be taken under protection and treated in a high-security health institution.

While releasing Polat pending trial, the Anatolian 8th High Criminal Court imposed an international travel ban on her, state-run AA reported.

The couple had risen to fame on social media for their extravagant lifestyle. Posts that featured private jets, anniversary celebrations projected onto the LED screens in Times Square, or 100-dollar bills used as hair rollers, drew public attention and caused suspicion about the source of such wealth.

For example, she once drank Turkish coffee with gold dust during a TV program.

The investigation is mainly into the Polat family and their extended family.