Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office Appoints TMSF Trustee to Halk TV: 14.4 Million Lira Bribery Allegations

Within the scope of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office, detention orders were issued against Halk TV owner businessman Cafer Mahiroğlu and 17 suspects on charges of 'bribery', 'bid rigging', and 'laundering proceeds of crime'. While 11 people including Halk TV Financial Operations Manager Harika Akkaya and Mahiroğlu's relatives were detained, a trustee from the Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) was appointed to Halk TV and affiliated companies. Sabah Newspaper reported these developments.

At the center of the investigation is BUSTECH Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Services Inc., which came to the fore due to tenders from Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. According to allegations, Mahiroğlu established the company using his connections at the municipality and transferred its management to people who acted according to his instructions. It is claimed that the total value of three tenders directed to BUSTECH exceeded 500 million lira, and unlisted bribery payments totaling 14 million 464 thousand lira were made through the company.

Investigations by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) determined the total transaction volume of companies where Mahiroğlu was a manager or partner at 30 billion 352 million lira. In foreign SWIFT transfers, it was noted that 522 million pounds sterling, 251 million dollars, and 485 million euros were involved.

Halk TV is a channel founded in 2013 that has come to prominence in recent years for its opposition-leaning broadcast line. Mahiroğlu resides in England; it has not yet become clear whether the investigation will be able to reach him.