The "escort" scandal involving the Diyanet organization in Austria, ATİB (Turkish-Islamic Union for Cultural and Social Cooperation in Austria), and religious officials sent from Turkey continues to cause a stir. The growing allegations are drawing attention not only for their religious implications but also for their diplomatic and financial dimensions.
According to a report by Sözcü, expenses for entertainment with escorts were covered through a "Diplomatic Bank Account" that only religious services counselors could access. The fact that these accounts cannot be audited in any way by Austrian authorities raises further questions.
The fact that counselors hold sole authority over these accounts makes the source of the funds even more significant. According to information received, a large portion of the money transferred to these accounts consists of donations collected within the scope of Hajj organizations. The scandal does not stop there; it has also emerged that the salaries and expenses of some imams were covered by the funeral assistance fund, meaning that aid funds were being misused.
News Source: 12punto
