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[CRIME] · Türkiye · 41 sources

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Turkey launches major operation against 41 food distributors for price manipulation

Turkish authorities have launched a major operation against 41 large distribution companies suspected of manipulating the fresh fruit and vegetable market. The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, targets price manipulation, tax law violations, forgery, and money laundering.

According to reports from the Tax Inspection Board, companies allegedly used their market dominance to artificially lower reported product supply while inflating costs. A key finding involves the issuance of fraudulent producer receipts, including documents issued in the names of 49 deceased individuals to create false cost structures. In one instance, mandarine prices were recorded at a 28 lira cost on receipts despite farmers reporting sales as low as 6-8 lira.

Simultaneous searches were conducted at 109 workplaces and residences across 22 provinces. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that the operation aims to protect producers' labor and citizens' budgets from unfair gains. The investigation has incorporated data from the Ministry of Trade's Wholesale Registration System and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Farmer Registration System, involving statements from approximately 1,029 farmers.

Entities

Akın Gürlek · Hazine ve Maliye Bakanlığı Vergi Denetim Kurulu · Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Istanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı · Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry · Ministry of Justice · Ministry of Trade · Ministry of Treasury and Finance · Recep Tayyip Erdoğan · Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · Tax Inspection Board · Ticaret Bakanlığı

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Sources

Ölülere faturası kesmişler [www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com]