Corruption allegations at the Land Forces Command: Response from Minister Güler

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated a judicial process in January regarding allegations of corruption in military cargo and passenger transport tenders affiliated with the Land Forces Command. Within the scope of the investigation, 20 people, including six soldiers, were detained; five people have been arrested so far.

Yeniden Refah Party Konya Deputy Ali Yüksel brought the allegations to the parliamentary agenda and submitted a written question for Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler to answer.

Yüksel raised issues such as what measures were taken during the tender processes and whether any public loss had occurred.

Minister Güler stated that the report prepared regarding the incident had been delivered to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and that a judicial investigation had been launched following an administrative review.

Emphasizing that they act meticulously regarding compliance with the law in public tenders, Minister Güler used the following expression:

“Regarding the investigation in question, the report prepared as a result of the investigation and findings made by the relevant command, followed by the examination carried out by the MSB Inspection Board, has been transferred to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and the initiation of a judicial investigation in addition to the administrative investigation has been ensured.

Our Ministry shows the necessary sensitivity regarding the conduct of public tenders of its affiliated institutions and organizations in accordance with the legislation and does not permit any matter that would create a vulnerability related to national security.”

WHAT HAPPENED?

At the root of the operation lies the allegation that some military personnel working at the Transportation Management Branch Directorate affiliated with the Land Forces Logistics Command provided financial gain by collaborating with the companies from which services were procured. In the statement made by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that after the investigation conducted by the Military Crimes Investigation Bureau, the Ministry of National Defense Inspection Board also completed its examination of the incident. According to this report, it was recorded that a loss of 23 million 578 thousand 505 liras was caused to the public as a result of illegal agreements.

News Source: 12punto