Ömer Bolat denies allegations of irregular fund transactions

Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has denied allegations regarding irregular financial transactions during a recent investigation into seven investment firms. The controversy began after YENI Party MP Ümit Özlale raised claims concerning fund manipulations and specific transactions involving government officials.

Bolat addressed allegations that he withdrew funds ahead of the investigation, clarifying that a family saving of 37.8 million Turkish Liras has been held in a sukuk (lease certificate) account at Hedef Yatırım Portföy since February 26, 2024. He emphasized that this investment is documented in his official asset declarations and has remained in the same instrument throughout the investigation period.

In response to claims made by journalists Murat Ağırel and İsmail Saymaz on Sözcü TV, Bolat has filed criminal complaints for defamation. He dismissed the accusations as “black propaganda” and “political lynching,” asserting that his assets are fully transparent to state authorities and subject to regulatory oversight.