Notable 'expert' detail in Mansur Yavaş investigation
Following the authorization of an investigation into Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş, it has been learned that the expert witness in the case is Polsan, a subsidiary of the Police Care and Assistance Fund, which is affiliated with the ministry.
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Ankara Metropolitan Municipality was alleged to have committed irregularities in payments made to certain artists and stage setup expenses for concerts held between 2021 and 2024, and the Ministry of Interior granted permission for an investigation into Yavaş based on these allegations.
DETAILS OF THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION REPORT
Journalist Tolga Şardan stated in his article on T24 that he had obtained the 214-page preliminary examination report from the Ministry of Interior, which forms the basis of the process.
SURPRISING "EXPERT" SELECTION IN THE REPORT
According to the report prepared by two chief civil inspectors, the Ministry of Interior inspectors, who were investigating whether there were irregularities in approximately 130 concert organizations held by the municipality's Department of Culture and Social Affairs, received an "expert opinion" from the Police Fund (Polsan) for their evaluations.
The report also included the statement from the official letter sent by Polsan: "Polsan Tourism, as a 100 percent subsidiary of the Police Care and Assistance Fund, provides professional services for corporate meetings, congresses, launches, and other special events."
POLSAN'S LETTERS AND CONCERT REVIEW
It was revealed that the requests of the inspectors, who examined the concert expenses in accordance with Article 22/b of the Public Procurement Law No. 4734, were answered by Polsan Tourism AŞ with a letter dated January 27, 2025. It was stated that the details regarding the 130 concerts were conveyed separately in two different letters sent to the Ministry of Interior.
According to the information in the report, the opinions sent stated that the market price was taken into account in the payments made by the municipality.
POLSAN'S AREA OF EXPERTISE SPARKS DEBATE
In his article, Şardan emphasized that there is no detailed information on the organization of performing arts on Polsan's website; and that despite the mention of lighting, decor, and technical infrastructure services, the company's commercial references in this field are not included.
Şardan included the following statements in the remainder of his article:
"This interesting situation inevitably brings to mind the question of 'with what scope and experience the company was able to provide an opinion to the inspectors.' No matter how soundly the investigation is conducted, a shadow will inevitably be cast over the result."