Fraud scandal rocks Yunus Emre Institute: 17 detained
Headquarters of Yunus Emre Institute, a Turkish global non-profit organization, in Ankara, Türkiye. (Photo via wikipedia.org)
Seventeen former executives of the Yunus Emre Institute, a Turkish global non-profit organization, have been detained in connection with an investigation by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The probe focuses on allegations of unlawful profits gained through fraudulent invoices for projects reportedly carried out in Syrian war zones.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched the investigation following claims that the Yunus Emre Institute suffered financial losses due to fake invoices issued by shell companies. Arrest warrants were issued for 18 individuals as part of the inquiry.
Fraud allegations in Syrian war zones
The Financial Crimes Investigation Department of the police headquarters organized an operation to apprehend the suspects. Raids were conducted at the addresses of the suspects, including former Yunus Emre Institute Chairman Seref Ates and other former executives and staff members. While Ates was not found at his residence, 17 other suspects were detained.
Reports suggest that Ates has fled to Germany, while his associates stated that he is receiving treatment.
Numerous documents and digital materials were seized during the searches and the suspects were taken to the Financial Crimes Investigation Department of the Ankara police headquarters for questioning.
The suspects are accused of generating unlawful gains through fake invoices for projects purportedly conducted in Syrian conflict areas. The investigation is ongoing under charges including abuse of office, embezzlement, aggravated fraud, and laundering assets derived from criminal activities.
In response to the investigation, the Yunus Emre Institute stated that it had filed a criminal complaint with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Dec. 23, 2024, following an inspection process that began in July 2024 under the directive of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. As part of this process, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees dismissed relevant staff, including former Institute President Seref Ates, the institute remarked.
