Turkish police raid 204 companies over coup plot

Ankara: Turkish police launched simultaneous operations against 204 companies in 18 cities across the country on Thursday over the failed July 15 coup attempt.

The companies were accused of offering financial support to the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen accused of organising the failed coup, Xinhua news agency reported.

Detention warrants were also issued against 187 businessmen, including owners of well-known companies and brands, with the head of Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists targeted as well.

Officials said the suspects were charged with "financing the terror organisation", "being member of the terror organisation" and "forming and running a terror organisation".

At least 40,030 persons have been detained and 20,355 others arrested in the aftermath of the coup attempt, in which 237 lives were lost.