Their names were linked to VIP gold smuggling: MHP deputies resigned but... Both salary and immunity!

Isparta Deputy Hasan Basri Sönmez, Kilis Deputy Mustafa Demir, and Bolu Deputy İsmail Akgül, who were alleged to be involved in gold smuggling from Dubai, resigned from the MHP at their party's request. While announcing their resignations, the three deputies had stated, "We stand by our leader."

FOUR MONTHS OF SILENCE

The deputies in question moved to the independent benches after leaving the MHP. However, they have not made a single public statement regarding the allegations against them for four months. They have neither denied the gold smuggling accusations nor confirmed the claims and taken responsibility.

During this period, each of the three deputies was paid a total of 733 thousand TL in parliamentary salary for four months. However, according to parliamentary records, they have not submitted a single legislative proposal, filed a motion, or spoken at the General Assembly podium. The deputies, who also do not serve on any committees, continue their duties without participating in parliamentary work.

NO INDICTMENT PREPARED

Although the scale of the allegations has found wide repercussions in the public eye, no prosecutor's investigation has yet been launched against the three deputies. Not only have the summaries of proceedings (fezlekeler) required to lift the deputies' immunity not been prepared, but no such file has been submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Silence continues on the legal front of the allegations.

VIP PROFIT ON THE DUBAI-TURKEY LINE

One of the figures drawing attention to the economic dimension of the issue was İYİ Party Group Deputy Chairman Turhan Çömez. Çömez stated that after the gold import quota imposed by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance in August 2023, gold began to be brought in illegally, particularly via Dubai.

Stating that a kilogram of gold is sold for approximately 80 thousand dollars in Dubai, while this figure is at the 85-88 thousand dollar level in Turkey, Çömez emphasized that the 5-8 thousand dollar difference per kilogram provides huge profits for organized smuggling networks.

60 KILOGRAMS OF GOLD SEIZED

Another point highlighted by Çömez was the operation carried out in the VIP lounge at Istanbul Airport last September. It is stated that security forces seized 60 kilograms of unprocessed gold in the VIP lounge.

Çömez had issued the following warning:

"Who are the individuals authorized to use the VIP lounge? Who went to Dubai and how many times? What was in their suitcases when they left, and how many kilograms of cargo did they bring back? If the state investigates this chain, a very serious scandal will erupt. There is big money and critical names at the end of this business."

News Source: 12punto