Not a coup attempt nor an economic crisis: "The greatest betrayal" that is driving Erdogan crazy

A serious corruption scandal is shaking Turkey's ruling AKP party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Journalist Zafer Şahin calls it "the greatest betrayal" Erdogan has experienced, due to the involvement of his close associates. Erdogan has promised to prosecute all those involved, even from within his inner circle.

A serious corruption scandal is shaking Turkey's ruling AKP party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Journalist Zafer Şahin, close to Erdogan, warns that this is the most severe crisis in 25 years, calling it "the greatest betrayal" Erdogan has experienced, because the suspicions reach his close associates. Erdogan himself said during a flight from South Korea that authorities are uncovering bribery, irregularities, and abuse of power, and that people he never expected to see are involved. At the center of the affair is an investigation into investment funds and the capital market, examining suspicions of stock price manipulation and insider trading. According to suspicions, Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, a former senior party official, conducted significant transactions and established ties with the investment group Tera. She and her husband invested about 163 million Turkish lira and realized them for about 2.17 billion lira (about $43 million). The two deny the allegations. In September, 131 funds managed by seven companies were liquidated, involving about 455,000 investors. More than 430 people are being investigated and dozens have been arrested. The opposition demands an investigation into political connections and the responsibility of regulatory bodies. Şahin estimates that Erdogan will take a hard line against those involved, even at the cost of internal conflicts.