Arrest decision in Istanbul Gold Refinery investigation: Allegations of causing public loss

The investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into 23 suspects, who are officials of Istanbul Gold Refinery Inc. (İAR) and associated companies, continues over allegations that they caused public loss in an organized manner by obtaining state support through fraudulent means.

The procedures for the 23 suspects detained within the scope of the investigation have been completed at the Provincial Gendarmerie Command.

After undergoing health checks, the suspects were brought to the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan.

Of those whose statements were taken by the prosecutor's office, 20 were requested to be arrested, and 2 were requested to be placed under judicial control. One person was released.

Of the 23 suspects referred to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace, 20 were ordered to be arrested, and two were placed under judicial control.

THE INVESTIGATION

Operations were carried out at a total of 23 addresses, including in the districts of Bakırköy, Bahçelievler, Sancaktepe, Avcılar, Büyükçekmece, Başakşehir, Küçükçekmece, Bağcılar, Beylikdüzü, Eyüpsultan, Sarıyer, and Üsküdar.

Within the scope of the investigation, 23 people were detained. It was determined that the suspects established 24 new companies under the names of 30 people working at the companies in question in order to benefit from the 3 percent state support received by companies that provide foreign currency inflow to the country through exports, that they made a total of 543 million 634 thousand 253 dollars in exports through these companies under the name of precious metals and gold components, and that they received 3 percent state support on these exports.

It was also learned that the suspects, through this method and within a specific organization, systematically caused the state a loss of 12 million 537 thousand 560 dollars.