New details in Diyanet escort scandal: Minister's relative also removed from post!

Scandals involving units of the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) organized in various countries show no signs of ending. In investigations ongoing for five years, allegations have surfaced that religious officials serving on behalf of the Diyanet Foundation in Austria used alms money collected from the public to hire escort women and organize parties.

While this scandal, which began in Vienna in 2019, remains unresolved, the allegations have caused a wide stir in the Turkish and European press. In the incident, Religious Services Counselor F.M.K. and another Religious Services Counselor M.Ş., who were serving under the Austrian Turkish-Islamic Union (ATİB), were dismissed from their posts as a result of investigations. Diyanet, however, maintains that these bureaucrats were dismissed on grounds of "indiscipline and incompetence."

ALLEGATIONS AND THE SCALE OF THE SCANDAL

According to a report by Sözcü, the allegations raised in the Vienna scandal investigation are quite striking. These include the failure to keep records of donations collected, particularly during Friday prayers and religious holidays, and the fact that it is unknown where these funds were spent. Furthermore, it is alleged that a significant portion of the income generated from Hajj, sacrifice, religious book sales, and funeral funds was spent at entertainment venues.

One of the most notable allegations is that at least four escort women were hired with these donations to hold "parties." It is alleged that to hide all these expenses, transactions were recorded in the association's budget under the guise of "imams' residence permit expenses, rent, and other costs." In addition, it is claimed that inspectors who came for audits were also taken to parties and trips using donation money, and that attempts were made to cover up the incident.

MINISTER'S RELATIVE ALSO DISMISSED

It is reported that one of the individuals involved in the scandal is a relative of a former AKP minister. It is stated that Austrian authorities are closely following the matter despite efforts to cover it up. The incident is expected to expand to an international dimension.

The Austrian Turkish-Islamic Union (ATİB), which is at the center of the allegations, has been known for various events it has organized for years. ATİB, which is connected to many mosques and Islamic centers, is at the heart of this scandal, and its methods of fundraising are also frequently criticized.