The Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), accused of masterminding the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey, is turning to receiving minor donations by organizing seminars in China, one of the few countries it failed to gain influence over thanks to strict restrictions on foreign schools, a major source of income for the group.
Turkey has stepped up legal action against the terror group especially after July 15 and seized the assets of FETÖ-linked companies accused of funneling funds into the group. Unlike in other countries where schools, companies and charities were employed to collect funds for the terror group, Gülenists mostly rely on the revenues of small companies in China.
Pacific Business and Cultural Consultancy (PBCC), a company affiliated with FETÖ, is trying to bring in new revenues for the terror group with paid events where participants are charged about 100 yuan. Events regularly held in Shanghai under the name "Coffee and Chat" are exclusively for women.
Although the terror group has a strong presence in many Asian countries, especially in terms of schools, FETÖ is focused only on companies and business associations in China. It also provides accommodation for Turkish students sympathizing with the group. Across the world, the terrorist group recruits students attending their schools. FETÖ is also accused of infiltrating academia in China with students the group recruits. The group is also behind a defamation campaign against Turkey by its supporters in Chinese universities and think-tanks.
Following the foiled coup attempt, a large number of FETÖ members and supporters left for other countries in the region including Hong Kong and Taiwan while some left for Australia.
China is among the countries supporting Turkey against FETÖ. Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his country's support against terrorism during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a G20 summit last month, Anadolu Agency reported.
