Simultaneous Operations Against Starch-Based Sugar Companies in Eight Provinces
· NTV
Simultaneous raids were conducted on 25 companies producing starch-based sugar in 8 provinces, with Istanbul as the center. 47 executives were summoned for questioning on grounds of illicit trade and tax evasion.
Sugar Operation in Eight Provinces
As part of a large-scale investigation coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, simultaneous raids were conducted this morning targeting firms engaged in the production and trade of starch-based sugar. Teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Financial Crimes Branch Directorate conducted operations at a total of 26 addresses in 8 provinces: Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Ankara, Konya, Izmir, Gaziantep, and Adana. Within the scope of the investigation, searches and seizure of documents were carried out at 25 companies, and 47 suspects, identified as company executives, were summoned to the prosecutor's office to give statements.
Fake Invoices and Irregularities
Comprehensive audits conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Sugar Department and the Revenue Administration's Tax Inspection Board revealed irregularities in the market. Investigations determined that starch-based sugars, which should not be supplied to the domestic market, were being offered for sale and that the products were being invoiced under different names such as maltodextrin, glucose, starch, and fructose. Official reports indicated that the companies were concealing food ingredients and committing tax evasion by issuing fake invoices and documents, thereby manipulating prices.
Clear Message from the Ministry of Justice
It was emphasized that the ongoing investigation will proceed uncompromisingly against elements that threaten food safety and illicit gains. Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek made the following statement regarding the investigation:
"Anyone who endangers public health, deceives our citizens, causes tax losses to our state, and attempts to obtain unlawful profits will be held accountable before the law."
Officials have publicly announced that judicial processes against illicit food trade and tax evasion will be meticulously continued.