According to Internal Security Service, starting 2010 a controversial Islamic organisation of Turkish origin called Fethullah Gülen Movement (FGM) has been activated in Estonia. Behind the banner of inter-religion dialogue, business partnership and enhancement of culture, the closed organisation is mainly involved in spreading its Islamic doctrine, recruiting new members and acquiring resources needed to keep itself going.
In foreign countries, activities of FGL are for the time being limited to creating positions among business, cultural, educational and political elite. Once smooth-running and profitable contacts have been established, the rule is to require support for opening a FGL school in the country in question.
In Tallinn, a subsidiary of Baklavacı Güllüoğlu – a major sponsor of FGL – has been established, and the association EESTÜRK opened. Every year, Turkish language competitions are held here, as well as receptions for business elite and public figures in Turkey.
«At the moment, we are noticing more pronounced activities by FGL’s local sub-organisation EESTÜRK firstly in mediating Turkish students into Estonian universities. That has been accompanied by a certain level of influencing activities towards representatives of Estonian universities and local governments, as well as businessmen,» says Kapo’s fresh annual review.
«We have talked to universities about it. The threat is not immediate and not something to undermine constitutional order,» said Kapo director-general Arnold Sinisalu.