ISTANBUL, June 23 – In a major operation spanning nine provinces and centered in Istanbul, authorities have detained 27 suspects allegedly involved in tax evasion through the issuance of fake invoices and fictitious export transactions. The operation, conducted simultaneously across Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Kırıkkale, Kırşehir, Mardin, Konya, Hatay, and Niğde, led to the seizure of six companies and the appointment of trustees to ten others.
Investigation Targets BADAY Group for Extensive Tax Evasion
The investigation, initiated by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, focused on the BADAY Group, reportedly led by V.B. The group is accused of ‘Establishing an Organization for the Purpose of Committing a Crime,’ ‘Qualified Fraud Against Public Institutions and Organizations,’ ‘Violation of Law No. 5607 on Combating Smuggling,’ and ‘Violation of the Tax Procedure Law.’
According to the investigation, a fuel company within the BADAY Group imported approximately 350-400 tons of LPG annually. It was discovered that the company allegedly avoided Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) and Value Added Tax (KDV) obligations arising from these imports by utilizing tax advantages obtained through fake invoices and fictitious export transactions.
Widespread Raids and Seizures
Teams from the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command’s Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch conducted simultaneous raids to apprehend the suspects. During searches at the companies, numerous digital materials were confiscated. As a result of the ongoing investigation, six companies linked to the suspects have been seized, and trustees have been appointed to ten other companies.
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek Vows Decisive Action
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek issued a statement via his social media account, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to combating crime, smuggling, tax irregularities, and qualified fraud targeting public institutions. He highlighted that these efforts are being carried out under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in coordination with the Ministries of Interior, Treasury and Finance, Trade, and Energy and Natural Resources.
Gürlek commended the significant operation conducted by the Istanbul Gendarmerie Command, in collaboration with the Tax Inspection Board, MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board), General Directorate of Customs Enforcement, EPDK (Energy Market Regulatory Authority), and TMSF (Savings Deposit Insurance Fund).
He further elaborated,
