A major prosecutorial investigation is in full swing in Turkey into allegations of corruption and interference in the voting process of the 38th regular congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
Turkish authorities have detained 13 people following coordinated operations carried out simultaneously in seven different provinces.
The investigation concerns allegations of influencing the electoral will of delegates during the party congress, with the authorities’ focus mainly in Istanbul.
Coordinated raids in seven provinces
The operations were organized by the prosecutor’s office in cooperation with the Istanbul Police Directorate’s Economic Crime Units.
Police forces conducted simultaneous raids on residences and premises connected to the suspects in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Sanliurfa, Kachramanmaras, Kilis and Malatia.
Thirteen people were arrested during the operations, allegedly linked to irregularities being investigated in the case.
Serious charges of bribery and money laundering
According to information contained in the case file, the suspects face serious charges.
These include “bribery”, “violation of the law on political parties” and “money laundering”.
Turkish authorities are investigating whether there was an organized attempt to influence the outcome of the internal party process, as well as possible financial routes linked to the case.
Seizures of digital files and documents
During the investigations, police officers seized material deemed crucial to the continuation of the process.
Authorities obtained digital data, organizational documents and additional evidence that are expected to be examined by investigative agencies.
The material will be evaluated to determine whether there were any illegal transactions or interference with the congress proceedings, the sources said.
Interrogations continue
After their arrest, the 13 suspects were first taken for necessary medical examinations and then taken to the Security Department.
Interrogations and statements are continuing there, while prosecutors are reviewing all the data gathered from the operations so far.
