Erkan Kork, named in illegal betting investigation, and Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek in the same frame
At the Turkish-Arab Economic Forum, which was also attended by Mehmet Şimşek, companies owned by Erkan Kork, who is involved in an illegal betting investigation, were among the sponsors. BankPozitif, owned by Erkan Kork—who was the subject of a report by MASAK in 2023 and for whom an indictment was prepared in 2024—was also presented with an award.
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It has emerged that Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, who has emphasized the fight against the informal economy since taking charge of economic management, participated in the same organization as companies owned by Erkan Kork, who was detained as part of an illegal betting and money laundering investigation.
MASAK REPORT EXISTED DURING THE FORUM
BankPozitif and PayFix, owned by Kork, were among the sponsors of the Turkish-Arab Economic Forum in 2023 and 2024. Moreover, during this period, there was already a report prepared about Kork by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).
HE WAS AMONG THE FORUM'S SPONSORS IN 2023 AND 2024
The 14th Turkish-Arab Economic Forum, held in Istanbul in 2023, took place with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Investment Office, and TOBB. Minister Mehmet Şimşek, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, and Investment Office President A. Burak Dağlıoğlu also participated as speakers at the forum. However, among the event's sponsors were BankPozitif and PayFix, owned by Erkan Kork, who was detained in an illegal betting operation in recent days.
KORK'S NAME WAS INVOLVED IN ILLEGAL BETTING IN 2021
Kork's name was involved in an illegal betting investigation in 2021, a report was prepared about him by MASAK in 2023, and an indictment was filed against him in 2024. Despite this entire process, Kork personally attended the Turkish-Arab Economic Forum held in 2024.
BANKPOZİTİF WAS GIVEN THE TAF SPECIAL AWARD
Moreover, at this event supported by the state's official investment bodies, BankPozitif was presented with the TAF Special Award. The award was accepted on behalf of BankPozitif by Board Member Hülya Turan and Türkiye Finans General Manager Murat Akşam.
NEWS BULLETIN ON THE PRESIDENCY'S WEBSITE
The following is stated in the bulletin dated November 8, 2023, on the official website of the Investment Office under the Presidency:
"The 14th Turkish-Arab Economic Forum (TAF) was held in Istanbul on November 8 with the theme 'A New Era in Cooperation.' The event took place with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Investment Office, and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), as well as the participation of respected professionals in their fields.
Investment Office President A. Burak Dağlıoğlu stated that Türkiye has been on the right track in terms of cooperation with Arab countries under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan since 2003 and has positioned Türkiye among the world's 20 largest economies. Dağlıoğlu said, 'Türkiye aims for sustainable and digital growth, targeting to become a global economic power from a regional hub. To contribute to this growth, we invite investors, especially from Arab countries, to invest in Türkiye.'"