Trade Minister Bolat: 32 Months of Transactions Combined and Presented as '170 Million Withdrawn'

Trade Minister Ömer Bolat stated to the Anadolu Agency that he has refuted the allegation of '170 million lira withdrawn' directed at him in connection with fund investigations by providing Central Registry Agency records.

According to Bolat, the allegation was constructed as follows: over a 32-month period, matured collections and payments made for new sukuk purchases were stacked together rather than listed individually, and presented as '170 million lira in transactions, money withdrawn.' The minister characterized this operation as 'document forgery.'

Recalling that an investigation was launched against 7 portfolio management companies by government decision on September 16, and that banks were tasked with liquidating 131 funds belonging to these companies, Bolat alleged that the process was being used for political gain before the investigations were completed. He described the allegation of '400 million deposited, 800 million withdrawn' made on Sözcü TV as a second slander and stated that he filed a criminal complaint against the two individuals in question.

The fund investigation is at the center of Turkey's agenda: 131 funds were previously marketed in the 'lowest risk' category; KAP filings revealed that large companies, including Mopaş, had invested significant portions of their financial assets in these funds. The minister's name being linked with these investigations is increasing political significance.