Ministry denies: Another fake NATO representative

A businessman named İsmail Karadağ has been introducing himself as a “United Nations NATO Diplomat.” According to a report by İsmail Arı from BirGün, news articles about Karadağ even claim that he is the “United Nations NATO Turkey Representative.”

THEY CALLED IT A ‘CRITICAL MEETING’

Some recent news reports titled “Critical meeting with the NATO Turkey representative” include the following statements:

“Turkey Ak Gençlik Ocakları Chairman Ferhat Aydoğan met with İsmail Karadağ, who was appointed as the United Nations NATO Turkey Representative and Diplomat, in Istanbul. Turkey Ak Gençlik Ocakları Chairman Ferhat Aydoğan, who came to pay a congratulatory visit to Diplomat İsmail Karadağ, who was appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared this meeting on his personal social media account, Twitter.”

In his previous statements, Karadağ even said, "I extend my endless gratitude to the state officials who deemed me worthy of this duty. I will honorably carry out the duties given to me for my country, my homeland, and my flag, both in European countries and in my own land, Turkey.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reached by BirGün, emphasized that there is no such title as “United Nations NATO Turkey Representative” and that İsmail Karadağ was not appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In photos shared on Karadağ's social media account, he is seen meeting with several figures, including Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, Deputy Minister of Interior Bülent Turan, and AKP MP Orhan Yeğin.

‘DID NOT KNOW PRINTING FAKE CARDS WAS A CRIME’

The testimonies of Ferhat Aydoğan and Ergin Vançin, the Chairman and a member of the association called ‘AK Gençlik Ocakları’, which attempted to create a protective shield for themselves using the Ministry of Interior's logo and were arrested on charges of fraud, have been obtained.

In his statement, Aydoğan said, "We printed the cards ourselves at a stationery store. We regret it. If we had known it was a crime, we wouldn't have done it." It was reported that Aydoğan, who claimed in his statement to be a “member of the World Press Federation,” said that they “never used the cards anywhere.” Suspect Ergin Vançin also stated in his interrogation that he was “regretful.” Following the procedures against them, the suspects were referred to the courthouse and arrested on charges of “attempted qualified fraud,” “forgery of documents,” and “influence peddling.”

Aydoğan had also previously threatened BirGün reporter İsmail Arı on social media due to his posts highlighting the forgery.

News Source: 12punto