Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.18
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
Istanbul Prosecutor's Office has extended the arrest period of the persons involved in the corruption scandal in the country, Turkish Anadolu agency reported on Feb.18.
The persons whose arrest period has been extended are: Turkish businessman Reza Zerrab, the country's former Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan's son, Salih Kaan Caglayan, former Interior Minister Muammar Guler's son, Baris Guler.
Turkish police conducted special operations in Istanbul and Ankara on December 17, 2013, resulting in the arrest of several dozen people including businessmen and the sons of some ministers. The detainees were accused of corruption, smuggling and selling drugs.
The Mayor of Istanbul's Fatih Municipality, Mustafa Demir, Director General of Turkish Halkbank Suleyman Aslan and well known entrepreneur Ali Agaoglu were arrested during the same operation by police. Searches were conducted at Halkbank's office.
After a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in late December, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new cabinet of ministers.
Former Director General of Turkish Halkbank Suleyman Aslan who was arrested under the anti-corruption operation in Turkey in December 2013, was released on Feb.14.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by C.N.