Scandalous allegation at AŞTİ: 15 kilos of smuggled gold seized, missing bullion found on police officer!

A smuggled gold incident that emerged during a check at the Ankara Intercity Terminal (AŞTİ) has been brought to the high criminal court along with bribery allegations. Three people, including a police officer and a private security guard, have become defendants regarding the fate of the 15 kilograms of gold found in the suitcase of French citizen Emir S.

EYE-CATCHING SUITCASE AT THE POLICE POINT

During a stop at the police checkpoint at AŞTİ on October 19, 2025, a total of 15 gold bullions, each weighing 1 kilogram, were detected in the suitcase of Emir S. It was alleged that after being taken to the police point, the suspect put 14 of the bullions into his backpack and left the terminal.

MISSING BULLION FOUND ON OFFICER

Following a tip-off, Emir S. was apprehended with 14 kilograms of gold in his possession. It was determined that the missing 1-kilogram bullion was found in the coat pocket of police officer Recep Ş. This discovery changed the course of the investigation.

CAMERA FOOTAGE ENTERED INTO THE FILE

It was stated that security camera recordings captured the moments when private security guard Çağlar E. took one of the gold bullions, moved out of the camera's field of vision, and handed it over to the police officer. The police officer and Emir S., who were detained as part of the investigation, were arrested; the private security guard was released to be tried without arrest.

PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE: "ACTED IN CONCERT"

The indictment prepared by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that permission was knowingly granted for 14 kilograms of gold to be smuggled out in exchange for a 1-kilogram gold bullion. Emphasizing that the suspects acted together, it was requested that the act be evaluated within the scope of joint perpetration. A prison sentence of up to 12 years was requested for the police officer and the private security guard for "taking bribes," and for Emir S. for "giving bribes."

"THE GOLD MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN MY COAT"

Defendant police officer Recep Ş. claimed in his defense that the gold was placed in his coat pocket without his knowledge. Suggesting that the suspect was acting in a panic, Recep Ş. claimed that his coat was on a hanger and that the gold might have been placed there by someone else.

"I DID NOT GIVE A BRIBE" DEFENSE

Emir S. argued that he did not give a bribe to anyone and that he acted out of concern that his gold would be stolen. Private security guard Çağlar E. also denied the accusations, stating that he gave the gold to the police officer for examination and that he did not witness any conversation involving bribery or threats.

GOLD DELIVERED TO THE CENTRAL BANK

While the prepared indictment was accepted by the Ankara 1st High Criminal Court, it was learned that the seized gold was delivered to the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.