Understanding the Functionality of the Money Pool: Insights from the Prosecutor’s Office
Istanbul Corruption Scandal Involves İBB Medya A.Ş. President
CNN TÜRK has reported on the ongoing corruption investigation in Istanbul, revealing that one of the key figures involved is İBB Medya A.Ş. President Murat Ongun. Ongun stands accused of unjust enrichment through the manipulation of funds and the establishment of a network of criminal activity.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Ongun is alleged to have orchestrated a money pool scheme through Kültür A.Ş. and Media Inc. The operation involved creating illicit income and funneling it through various channels, including Media A.Ş. manager Barış Kılıç, Emrah Bağdatlı, Mustafa Nihat Sütlaş, and Hüseyin Köksal.
Nylon tenders were a key aspect of this corrupt network, with Kılıç organizing both legitimate and fake bids. Bağdatlı reportedly handled the invoicing and cash flow for the illegal activities. Documents seized in the investigation reveal a trail of corruption involving 170 tender documents from 20 companies over the past two years.
In addition, Ongun is accused of engaging in public perception manipulation by paying off journalists, freelancers, and influencers to promote certain agendas through newspapers and television. Allegations suggest that envelopes full of money were handed out to various individuals, including close associates like Emrah Bağdatlı, who has since fled the country.
Furthermore, the prosecutor’s office claims that Ongun utilized criminal income to establish the ‘Reklam Istanbul’ company, which used AI-based software to collect and manipulate personal data for political purposes. Police raids on Ongun’s properties reportedly uncovered large sums of cash, lead, and hunting rifles.
The investigation into Ongun’s activities is ongoing, shedding light on the depths of corruption within Istanbul’s political and media circles. The scandal has raised concerns about the influence of illicit funds on public perception and democratic processes in the city.
