Ahmet Özer's testimony revealed! 'I had no involvement in the tender process'

The investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into allegations that a criminal organization, allegedly led by Aziz İhsan Aktaş, organized tenders by bribing mayors and senior municipal officials, is ongoing.

AHMET ÖZER DID NOT ACCEPT THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM

Within the scope of the investigation, Ahmet Özer, who testified via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS) from the prison where he is being held, did not accept the allegations against him.

Arguing that he had no responsibility as mayor in the tender processes, Özer said, "I do not know the commission members either by name or personally. I have had no written or verbal communication with the commission members."

Stating that he had not the slightest involvement in the two tender processes that are the subject of the investigation, Özer continued as follows:

"The contract period of the previous company was about to expire. They informed me that a new tender needed to be held. I said that in order to avoid the problems experienced with the previous company, the work should be given to a company that does its job well, that the previous company's vehicles were old, and that we should not experience these problems again. Other than that, I did not have any written or verbal instructions regarding the companies participating in the tender. I do not know the companies that submitted bids. Furthermore, I had not heard the name of the contractor company until now."

Stating that he did not know the suspect Aziz İhsan Aktaş, who is alleged to be the leader of the organization, and that he learned his name from the press during this process, Özer claimed that no progress payments were made and not a single penny was paid regarding the relevant tenders during his tenure as mayor.

Özer claimed that mayors are not "tender officials" in tenders related to the "procurement of vehicle rental services for the collection, transportation, and cleaning of markets, streets, and avenues of household waste" of the Esenyurt Municipality, which is the subject of the alleged crime.

'I HAVE HAD NO INVOLVEMENT OR DIRECTION REGARDING THE TENDER PROCESS'

Stating that he had no knowledge of the tender specifications, addendums, and bids submitted by the companies that are the subject of the accusation, Özer said, "The commission that conducted the tender was not formed by me, and I have had no involvement or direction regarding the tender process. The Esenyurt Municipality employees who served on the tender commission and the relevant deputy mayor will also confirm this. I do not know the companies that submitted bids for this tender or their owners. I have no personal relationship with the owner of the company that won the tender. Since the day I took office, my only priority has been the interests of the people of Esenyurt."

Özer requested that a decision of non-prosecution be issued regarding him.

News Source: 12punto