İmamoğlu detail in MASAK report: 'It reveals he is not guilty'

Sözcü newspaper columnist Saygı Öztürk evaluated the content of the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) report, which was cited as the basis for the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges, in his column.

Öztürk stated that he had the report examined by expert figures and that, contrary to what has been alleged in the public eye, no criminal elements were found against İmamoğlu.

''NO FINDINGS OF PROCEEDS OF CRIME OR MONEY LAUNDERING''

Sharing the details of the report, Öztürk emphasized that the MASAK investigation could not reach any data indicating that İmamoğlu's assets were derived from proceeds of crime or that proceeds of crime were laundered.

The report only states that while it is alleged there was a consultancy contract with Erkan Karaarslan in light of intelligence information, there is no proof of the existence of such a contract. Furthermore, it was noted that no payment records related to this allegation were found.

ALLEGATION OF CONNECTION WITH SUSPECTED INDIVIDUALS

The report revealed that some individuals with whom İmamoğlu had real estate buying and selling relationships were mentioned in certain investigations conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Bureau.

However, it was noted that no findings were reached indicating that İmamoğlu was aware of these individuals' criminal connections.

PUBLIC ALLEGATIONS REFUTED

Saygı Öztürk stated that the content of the report points to a conclusion contrary to the allegations reflected in the public eye that are "against İmamoğlu," emphasizing that no financial crime was encountered in the report. However, he stated that the Public Prosecutor's Office will make the final decision.