Yunus Emre Foundation's 'fake invoice' scandal grows: Record support in 11 months

The Yunus Emre Foundation, which has come to the fore with a "fake invoice" investigation, has once again become a subject of debate due to massive budget transfers. The foundation, which received 1.7 billion TL from the budget last year, is planned to be allocated approximately 2.1 billion TL from the 2025 Central Government Budget.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office took action following a criminal complaint by the General Directorate of Foundations Inspection Board, which alleged that the foundation had been defrauded through fake invoices obtained from shell companies. While eight of the 11 people detained as part of the investigation have been arrested, there is also a detention warrant for the institution's former president, Şeref Ateş. However, it is claimed that Ateş is abroad.

1.5 BILLION TL SUPPORT IN 11 MONTHS

The Yunus Emre Foundation receives a large amount of financial support from the central budget every year. While a total of 1 billion 200 million TL in aid was provided to the foundation last year, an additional 500 million TL was transferred as capital transfers. In the 2025 budget, it is projected that the foundation will receive 1.426 billion TL in regular support and 650 million TL in capital transfers.

Retired chief civil inspector Mahmut Esen stated that more than 1.5 billion TL in aid was provided to the foundation from the central government budget in 2023 alone, saying, "This situation reveals that the foundation is strongly supported by the political power."

WHY WAS THE FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED?

According to the Yunus Emre Foundation Law enacted in 2007, the purpose of the foundation is defined as promoting Turkey's cultural heritage, Turkish language, and art; and increasing cultural exchange with other countries. It is stated that the Ankara-based foundation aims to fulfill this mission by opening Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centers abroad.

News Source: 12punto