Turkey: Ministers’ sons Baris Guler and Kaan Caglayan freed

The sons of two former ministers in Turkey’s government have been freed amid major corruption investigation.

Baris Guler and Kaan Caglayan, arrested in December, were among dozens of people held in an investigation into bribery relating to public tenders.

The inquiry enraged PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who saw it as a “plot” against him.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded with a purge of top police and judicial officials.

Azeri businessman of Iranian origin Reza Zarrab was also released on Friday.

Azeri businessman of Iranian origin Reza Zarrab was also released on Friday

The son of a third cabinet minister was also arrested in December, but was soon released.

The three ministers – Environment Minister Erdogan Bayraktar, Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan and Interior Minister Muammer Guler – resigned in December as the police investigation intensified.

All three denied any wrongdoing.

Police are investigating allegations of illicit money transfers to Iran and bribery for construction projects.

Earlier this month Suleyman Aslan, the former chief executive of Halkbank, was also released.

Suleyman Aslan is suspected of money-laundering in connection with the alleged bribery. When they searched his home police found $4.5 million (3.2 million euros) in cash hidden in shoeboxes.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his supporters in the ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party see the investigation as a plot masterminded by Fethullah Gulen, an Islamist cleric based in the US.

umQt1r3o8jA
Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

Harvey Weinstein in Hospital After Conviction Overturned

Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized just days after his 2020 rape conviction in New York…

6 hours ago

Hamas Releases Video of Two Hostages, Including a Kidnapped US Citizen

Hamas has published a video showing the first proof of life of US and Israeli…

7 hours ago

Trump Trial: Prosecutors and Attorneys Deliver Opening Statements

Prosecutors and Donald Trump’s attorneys delivered opening statements and the first witness was called on…

6 days ago

House Passes $95 Billion Package to Provide Aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

The House of Representatives has finally approved $61 billion in new US military aid for…

7 days ago

The Current Real Estate Landscape in the United States

The real estate market in the United States has always been a gauge for economic…

1 week ago

Brigitte Macron to Be Subject of Biopic Series

France's first lady Brigitte Macron will be the subject of a biopic series. Production company…

2 weeks ago