Massive Fuel Fraud Scandal Rocks TP Petrol: Three Executives Arrested in ₺1 Billion Scheme
TP
A large-scale fuel fraud investigation has shaken Turkey’s energy sector after authorities discovered a discrepancy of 18,476 tons of fuel between the quantities reported by TP Petrol Dağıtım AŞ and those declared by STAR Refinery to the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK). The discrepancy triggered an extensive criminal probe, leading to the arrest of three company executives and the detention of several others.
The Discovery of a Major Irregularity
The investigation began when STAR Refinery, which provides refined fuel to TP Petrol’s storage facilities, noticed inconsistencies in the data reported to EPDK between October 22 and 24. The refinery’s records for its Antalya and Hatay Dörtyol terminals did not match the volumes declared by TP Petrol Dağıtım AŞ, prompting formal complaints to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices in both Antalya and Hatay Dörtyol.
According to STAR Refinery’s complaint, fuel products bearing official invoices were allegedly sold without the refinery’s knowledge, suggesting the existence of an organized scheme within TP Petrol’s operations.
₺1 Billion Fuel Theft Uncovered
A detailed audit conducted by the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Department (KOM) revealed staggering losses. Investigators determined that 4,009 tons of fuel—worth ₺232.3 million at current market prices—were missing from the Antalya depot, while 14,467 tons, valued at ₺820.5 million, had vanished from the Hatay Dörtyol facility.
In total, nearly ₺1.05 billion worth of fuel was found unaccounted for, marking one of the largest fuel fraud cases in recent years in Türkiye.
Operation and Arrests
Following the findings, police raided multiple locations and detained nine suspects across several provinces. Among them were TP Petrol’s General Manager M.B., former General Manager Ç.D., Supply Manager H.G., and Facility Manager O.E.C., all apprehended in Antalya.
In Istanbul, suspects Ş.Z., Ş.H.Z., F.B., and S.U. were also detained, while another executive, H.G.K., was taken into custody in Muğla’s Fethiye district. After initial questioning, these five individuals were released pending investigation.
Executives Abroad Evade Arrest
Authorities confirmed that TP Petrol’s Chairman of the Board, İsfendiyar Zülfikari, and senior executive A.Ç.Y. are currently abroad, leading to an international search order. Investigators believe both may hold key information regarding the chain of command and authorization behind the alleged fraudulent fuel transactions.
Three Key Figures Sent to Jail
After being referred to the prosecutor’s office, former General Manager Ç.D. was released, while General Manager M.B., Supply Manager H.G., and Facility Manager O.E.C. were formally arrested and remanded in custody pending trial. The investigation continues as authorities work to trace the missing fuel and determine whether the fraud was part of a larger network of illegal fuel distribution.
A Major Blow to Turkey’s Energy Sector
This scandal has raised questions about regulatory oversight in Türkiye’s fuel distribution industry, as well as the internal auditing mechanisms of major energy firms. Experts warn that such incidents damage market integrity, erode consumer trust, and may lead to stricter compliance measures from the EPDK in the coming months.
If confirmed, the ₺1 billion fraud could stand as a landmark case highlighting vulnerabilities in energy logistics and reporting systems, prompting a nationwide reevaluation of corporate transparency and accountability in the sector.