Fake invoice scandal grows at Yunus Emre Foundation: Two key figures resign

The fake invoice scandal at the Yunus Emre Foundation has caused a major stir in Turkey. Investigations by tax inspectors affiliated with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance revealed that many shell companies issuing invoices to the foundation were producing fraudulent documents. Following these developments, two prominent figures at the foundation have resigned.

DETAILS OF THE RESIGNATIONS

One of the individuals who resigned is Rahmi Göktaş, the husband of Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş. 

Göktaş, who previously served as the Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Brussels, left his post following the scandal. The couple's wedding was attended by the then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, his wife Emine Erdoğan, and their daughters Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar and Esra Albayrak.

The other individual who resigned is Abdullah Kutalmış Yalçın, the son of MHP Deputy Chairman and Istanbul MP Semih Yalçın. It was stated that Yalçın, who served as the Vice President of the Foundation, resigned following allegations of his involvement in the scandal. It has been claimed that the resignations of both individuals were requested.

FINDINGS OF TAX INSPECTORS 

In the investigations launched by tax inspectors during the summer months, the relationship between the shell companies issuing fake invoices and the foundation was uncovered. The inspectors determined that the foundation's coffers were emptied using fake documents and made the following findings:

Rematek İnşaat Şirketi: It was determined that it had no commercial activity in 2022 and 2023 and that all invoices it issued were fake.

Çelikkaya Organizasyon İnşaat: It was determined that all of its invoices were fake documents not based on the delivery of goods or services.

Taxpayer Ali Fide: It was determined that he had no commercial activity in 2021 and only issued fake documents.

Peçenekler Demir: It was determined that all of its documents since the date it started operations were fake documents issued in exchange for a commission.

Evrim CNC Makina: It was determined that all documents it issued since September 24, 2021, were fake.

The Board of Trustees of the Yunus Emre Foundation is chaired by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. The board also includes Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Serdar Çam, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nuh Yılmaz, Deputy Minister of National Education Ömer Faruk Yelkenci, Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance İsmail İlhan Hatipoğlu, President of the Turkish Maarif Foundation Birol Akgün, and various rectors and bureaucrats.

AFTER THE RESIGNATIONS 

While Yunus Emre Institute officials left questions regarding the scandal unanswered, the resignations have drawn public attention. With the foundation known to operate in 66 countries and 88 locations, it is a matter of curiosity how this scandal will affect its international reputation.

It is stated that the dimensions of the scandal may expand further with the ongoing investigations by tax inspectors. The future of the foundation and the process regarding potential legal regulations are being closely monitored.

News Source: 12punto