'Vehicle allocation' controversy in KİPTAŞ investigation: Same practice was ignored during the AKP era

In the interrogation of KİPTAŞ General Manager Ali Kurt, who was arrested as part of the investigation conducted into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the questioning regarding the vehicle allocated to him by the institution drew attention. Both during the police and prosecution stages, detailed questions were directed at Kurt regarding the vehicle he used. Photographs of the vehicle were entered into the records, and the method and manner in which the vehicle was allocated were questioned.

Ali Kurt said the following in his statement regarding the allocation of the vehicle:

"This vehicle is a vehicle that was purchased within the scope of the tender and allocated to managers. This practice has been done in the past, and it is being done today as well."

CHP: “ROUTINE PRACTICE IS A CRIME FOR CHP MEMBERS, BUT PERMISSIBLE FOR AKP MEMBERS”

CHP İBB Council Member Bulut Can Okuducu emphasized that the practice was also carried out in the past and reacted to the double standard. Okuducu stated the following:

"KİPTAŞ General Manager Ali Kurt is being accused because of the vehicle allocated to him as per the tender specifications. However, this practice was also carried out in a routine manner during the AKP era. For example, during the term of the former KİPTAŞ general manager, the current Ümraniye Mayor İsmet Yıldırım, vehicle requirements were also included in tenders."

RECORDED IN COURT OF ACCOUNTS REPORTS

In the 2023 Court of Accounts (Sayıştay) report for Ümraniye Municipality, it was stated that the municipality procured a total of 51 passenger vehicles from contractor firms within the scope of 16 construction projects. These vehicles also included the requirement that automatic transmission, fuel, and all expenses would be covered by the contractor.

Okuducu evaluated this situation as follows:

"While not a single question is asked to AKP-run municipalities on this issue, CHP officials are being treated like criminals for routine procedures. This shows that the investigation is being conducted by politics, not by law."

According to the news from Halk TV, the tenders and requested vehicles written in the Ümraniye Municipality's Court of Accounts report are as follows:

• 4 vehicles, 2021 model or newer, automatic, including fuel card and OGS (electronic toll collection) etc. expenses

• 4 vehicles, 2021 or newer, automatic, with fuel card and all expenses included

• 3 vehicles, 2022 or newer, automatic transmission

• 4 vehicles, 2020 model or newer, automatic transmission

• 11 vehicles, at least 2020 or newer, at least 90 ps or higher engine power, full-time daily 100 km