Former SPK President Ömer Gönül denies bribery allegations

Saadet Party Bursa Deputy Mehmet Atmaca has leveled serious bribery allegations involving the former President of the Capital Markets Board (SPK), Ömer Gönül. Atmaca claims that a Bursa-based industrialist was solicited for bribes to facilitate a public offering process in 2023.

According to Atmaca, an initial demand of $1.5 million was made, followed by a $600,000 payment allegedly made through a Member of Parliament. Atmaca further alleged that after the payment, Gönül contacted the businessman to ask him to ‘bless’ (helal et) the money.

Ömer Gönül has denied these claims, stating he does not recall such a meeting or conversation. Gönül described the allegations as ‘something even a child would not believe’ and expressed readiness to hand over anyone making such claims to the prosecutor's office.