Yunus Emre Foundation Faces $16 Million Corruption Probe

A major corruption investigation is underway at the Yunus Emre Foundation, an institution established to promote the Turkish language and culture abroad, after allegations surfaced that at least $16 million in public funds were misappropriated through a fake invoice scheme.

According to preliminary findings, complex accounting manipulations have made it difficult to calculate the total public loss, preventing the Inspection Board from finalizing its report. The prosecutor’s office is reportedly close to completing the indictment, pending final clarifications.

Senior Figures Resign as Investigation Expands

Some of the suspects under investigation have repaid portions of the allegedly embezzled funds, but the criminal investigation and upcoming public trial will proceed. Several individuals have reportedly confessed and are seeking leniency under remorse provisions in Turkish law.

Key resignations include:

• Rahmi Göktaş, husband of Family Minister Mahinur Göktaş, and

• Abdullah Kutalmış Yalçın, son of MHP’s Semih Yalçın, both of whom served as Deputy Chairs of the foundation.

Meanwhile, Birol Akgün, a former board member, was appointed ambassador to Baku during the scandal.
The foundation’s president, Şeref Ateş, has reportedly fled the country.

Oversight Under Scrutiny: Who Bears Responsibility?

The Yunus Emre Foundation’s Board of Trustees is chaired by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and includes:

• Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz,

• Deputy Education Minister Ömer Faruk Yelkenci, and

• Deputy Treasury and Finance Minister İlhan Hatipoğlu.

The ongoing audit will determine whether board members with signing authority will be held legally accountable.