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Ahbap Association under investigation for earthquake donation misuse
Turkish authorities have launched a massive fifth-wave operation targeting the Ahbap Association regarding the suspected misuse of earthquake relief donations. The investigation, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, follows reports from the Ministry of Interior and expert audits.
Between February 6 and December 31, 2023, the association collected approximately 4.3 billion TL in donations intended for earthquake victims. Investigators found that 4.2 billion TL was spent, with 950 million TL being withdrawn in cash, including a single transaction of 500 million TL. Furthermore, 1.757 billion TL was transferred to 29 companies and 7 individual companies.
Authorities allege that some high-value expenditures lacked corresponding goods or services, and that personal benefits were gained from the transportation of aid. In İzmit, hundreds of items such as tents and wheelchairs were found unused in warehouses. The operation, spanning 20 provinces, has targeted 53 suspects.
Entities
Ahbap Association · Akın Gürlek · Ekrem Baki · Istanbul · Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality · Ministry of Interior · Mustafa Sökmen · Turkey · Üsküdar Municipality
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 13 SOURCES] The investigation includes the procurement of materials for the İBB Presidential residence. www.odatv.com · www.gercekgundem.com
- [● 11 SOURCES] Six individuals, including Üsküdar Municipal Council Member Ekrem Baki, have been arrested in a separate investigation involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. www.habereguven.com · www.gercekgundem.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Prosecutors allege that bid participation was restricted to prevent other companies from competing, resulting in 'tailor-made' tenders. www.habereguven.com
- [● 15 SOURCES] An investigation is underway regarding allegations of bid-rigging and public loss in several tenders conducted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Purchasing Directorate. www.odatv.com · www.habereguven.com · www.gercekgundem.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Six other suspects were released under judicial control measures.
- [● 11 SOURCES] Fifty-three suspects were targeted in a coordinated operation across 20 provinces, centered in Istanbul, regarding the Ahbap Association. www.habereguven.com · www.gercekgundem.com · www.damgagazetesi.com · www.gunaydingazetesi.com.tr · www.tigrishaber.com · +5 more
- [● 22 SOURCES] The investigation is based on an inspection report by the Ministry of Interior's Civil Inspectors and expert findings. www.habereguven.com · www.gercekgundem.com · www.odatv.com · www.damgagazetesi.com · www.gunaydingazetesi.com.tr · +9 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] A total of 1.757 billion TL was transferred to 29 companies and 7 individual companies. www.damgagazetesi.com · www.tigrishaber.com · www.avrupagazete.co.uk · www.tr724.com · www.benguturk.com · +9 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] 950 million TL of the donations was withdrawn in cash, including a single transaction of 500 million TL. www.damgagazetesi.com · www.tigrishaber.com · www.avrupagazete.co.uk · www.tr724.com · www.benguturk.com · +9 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Hundreds of aid materials, including tents and wheelchairs, were found unused in warehouses in İzmit. www.damgagazetesi.com · www.tigrishaber.com · www.avrupagazete.co.uk · www.tr724.com · www.benguturk.com · +5 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The İBB investigation includes the procurement of materials for the İBB Presidential residence. www.habereguven.com · www.gercekgundem.com
- [● 14 SOURCES] Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced a fifth-wave operation targeting the Ahbap Association regarding earthquake donations. www.tigrishaber.com · www.avrupagazete.co.uk · www.tr724.com · www.benguturk.com · www.bursatv.com.tr · +7 more