Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.3
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
The corruption scandal in Turkey has not affected the trading activity of Halkbank, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz said, Turkish Sabah newspaper reported on Jan.3.
The corruption scandal was aimed at weakening the country's economy, according to the minister.
Turkish police conducted special operations in Istanbul and Ankara on Dec.17, resulting in the arrest of several dozen people including businessmen and sons of certain ministers. The detentions were held on charges of corruption, smuggling and selling drugs.
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.
Earlier, after a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new cabinet of ministers.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by S.M.