Funds raised in mosques used for lavish parties involving sex workers
The Turkish-Islamic Union in Austria, an offshoot of the state-run Diyanet, is currently under formal investigation following allegations that religious donations were being misused and diverted into illicit activities[1]. The investigation was publicly reported in early August 2025.
The mosque at the centre of the scandal is said to be connected to the Turkish religious authority Diyanet, which often oversees mosques abroad. The allegations include the use of funds for escort services and wild orgies, as well as the concealment of expenses and the misuse of funds, particularly on Fridays and religious holidays[1].
Austrian authorities have initiated formal probes into the misuse of funds and related allegations but have not yet released detailed statements about the investigation's progress or outcomes[1]. Among those dismissed from their positions are reportedly two former religious officials, F.M.K. (former ATIB chairman) and M.S., and a relative of a former AKP minister, according to "Sozcu".
Investigations found that income from donations, Hajj registrations, the sale of religious books, and funeral funds was not fully recorded[1]. Furthermore, it is alleged that inspectors who traveled from Turkey to conduct audits were invited on trips using these donation funds - presumably to influence the investigations[1].
The Turkish media initially reported the misconduct, and the scandal has been under investigation for five years[1]. The Turkish-Islamic Union in Austria operates through numerous mosque associations under the umbrella of ATIB. The presumption of innocence applies, and no further official response or detailed information about the handling of suspects is available from the current search results.
Austrian authorities are closely following the case, and the Turkish religious authority Diyanet has reportedly received a request for an explanation from Austria's Integration Ministry[1]. The matter remains under investigation by Austrian officials as of August 2025[1].
[1] Source: Unnamed sources and Turkish media reports.
- The allegations against the Turkish-Islamic Union in Austria extend beyond mismanagement of religious donations, as they also include reports of funds being used for escort services and wild orgies, as well as the concealment of expenses and the misuse of funds during Fridays and religious holidays.
- The investigations into the Turkish-Islamic Union in Austria, which are ongoing as of August 2025, have not only focused on the misuse of funds but also on the invite of Turkish inspectors on trips using donation funds, potentially to influence the investigations.
