Cumali Turhan: Manhunt continues for suspect as second man denies role in murder of missing man

Cumali Turhan, missing man whose death is being investigated as murder by Essex Police. Credit: Essex Police
Cumali Turhan, 45, went missing five weeks ago and police have been searching a landfill site for his body. Credit: Essex Police

An international manhunt for a suspect is continuing, as a second man appeared in court to deny playing a part in the murder of a missing man.

Cumali Turhan, 45, was last seen five weeks ago at The Globe pub in Chelmsford in Essex and police believe he was murdered and his body dumped in landfill.

Earlier this month, officers began searching a waste site in Essex for his remains.

Police have said they are trying to find 38-year-old Ceyhan Dinler, who left the country through Stansted Airport on the same day Mr Turhan was last in contact with anyone.

Ceyhan DInler, 38, is wanted by Essex Police over the suspected murder of Cumali Turhan. Credit: Essex Police

On Monday, a second suspect, Ciprian Ilie, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to assisting an offender in relation to murder and preventing lawful and decent burial of a dead body.

The 44-year-old was remanded into custody and a trial date was set for September 2025.

Detectives continue to appeal for information in their investigation.

Det Ch Insp Louise Metcalfe said: “It is five weeks since anyone saw Cumali in The Globe pub on Rainsford Road.

“Our inquiries suggest he may later have been in Barista in Duke Street. This is an extremely challenging investigation, and we have a team of officers from across Essex Police working to find answers for Cumali’s family.”

The Barista venue in Chelmsford, from which Cumali Turhan did not leave. Credit: BPM Media

Anyone with information can contact police through the case's public portal.

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