Finance Minister Simsek hits back at main opposition over Imamoglu probe accusations

Türkiye’s Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek on Saturday rejected accusations by opposition leader Ozgur Ozel, who claimed the government manipulated financial investigation reports as part of a politically motivated corruption probe against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Simsek posted a statement on the social media platform X, stressing that the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reports are submitted directly to the public prosecutor upon request and cannot be accessed or altered by any party outside the judiciary.

He denied any political interference, asserting that the ministry does not have access to or influence over ongoing legal investigations.

Ozel, head of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), alleged that Simsek directed the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), which operates under the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, to fabricate evidence against Imamoglu.

During a rally held by the CHP in Istanbul’s Maltepe district to show support for Imamoglu, Ozel accused Simsek of being complicit in what he described as a “coup.” “The entire global financial community has now seen Mehmet Simsek as a hitman,” Ozel said.

The corruption probe into Imamoglu was initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on March 19, leading to Imamoglu’s arrest on March 23. MASAK’s financial reports, including alleged detailed records of Imamoglu’s monetary transactions, are said to form a central part of the prosecution’s case.