Corruption and nepotism

Turkey's 'babyfaced' fraud suspect in jail after three years on run

Mehmet Aydin, wanted since early 2018, is back in Turkey to face an online fraud case that has raised questions about how he remained free for so long in South America.

Andrew Wilks | Turkey | Jul 11, 2021

Turkish fugitive Mehmet Aydin is pictured in an Interpol red notice for his arrest.

Turkish-Danish hospital deal might be more than meets the eye

A Turkish company known as a presidential favorite is ceding its lucrative hospital operation business, a move observers believe is driven not only by financial hardship but also apprehension over Erdogan’s political future.

Mustafa Sonmez | Turkey | Jun 30, 2021

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2nd L) gives an award to Ronesans Holding Member of Board Ferit Seyfi Yagmuroglu (2nd R) during Turkey's 500 Largest Service Exporters Award Ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, on Dec. 21, 2018.

Another Iraqi intelligence officer killed in Baghdad

The most recent killing is likely meant to undercut Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's efforts to curb militias outside the control of the state.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iraq | Jun 9, 2021

Arrest warrant issued for exiled mobster who promises to 'ruin' Turkish officials

Turkish prosecutors issued an arrest warrant Thursday for exiled mobster Sedat Peker, whose video exposes have implicated high-level officials and left ruling party insiders struggling to respond.

Diego Cupolo | Turkey | May 27, 2021

A photograph taken on May 26, 2021 in Istanbul shows on a mobile phone Sedat Peker speaking on his youtube channel.

Erdogan swats aside mobster, stands behind interior minister

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan backs his interior minister, who has been facing allegations made by a Turkish mobster living abroad, and says he will not call early elections.

Amberin Zaman | Turkey | May 26, 2021

Iraq unveils massive anti-corruption project

Iraq has lost $150 billion to corruption since 2003, according to Iraqi President Barham Salih.

Joe Snell | Iraq | May 25, 2021

Iraqi President Barham Saleh attends a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on Jan. 22, 2020.

Erdogan in hot spot as Turks question 'mafiazation' of politics

Erdogan risks a major political setback unless he manages to contain an unprecedented scandal sparked by a mobster claiming close links with government figures.

Metin Gurcan | Turkey | May 21, 2021

How an exiled mafia boss became the center of Turkish politics

An ultranationalist mafia boss, Sedat Peker, who had connections with the ruling elite for decades, now wages war against top officials with his camera and tripod from abroad.

Pinar Tremblay | Turkey | May 19, 2021

Sedat Peker is seen in a video uploaded to YouTube May 16, 2021.

Khamenei calls for more younger people in Iran's next administration

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the next administration in Iran could utilize “revolutionary and pious youth.”

Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | May 12, 2021

Qatar orders arrest of finance minister in corruption probe

A statement from Qatar's attorney general said Ali Shareef Al Emadi is suspected of misuse of public funds and abuse of power.

Al-Monitor Staff | Qatar | May 6, 2021

The cost of Turkey’s grey passport scandal

Turkey’s service passport scandal may be more costly than imagined. On the domestic front, the case is one more sign that organized crime fuels corruption. In the international arena, Turkey is expected to encounter more embarrassment and court cases for smugglers.

Pinar Tremblay | Turkey | May 4, 2021

Fake passports and travel documents are displayed on a table for the press on Dec. 19, 2019, at the Istanbul airport in Turkey.

Key Sunni politician’s arrest for corruption raises questions

The arrest of a prominent Sunni party chief shortly after relations between him and the parliament speaker soured has led some to claim political motives are playing a role in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

Shelly Kittleson | Iraq Pulse | Apr 29, 2021

A demonstrator waves a large Iraqi national flag during an anti-government protest over corruption and poor services in Tahrir Square in the center of Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on Nov. 8, 2020.

As Iran looks to boost production, major political barriers remain

Iran’s leaders have put a renewed focus on increasing domestic production, yet to achieve this goal there must be political stability and sincere efforts to push back on corruption.

Bijan Khajehpour | Iran | Apr 29, 2021

Cocaine video scandal deals blow to Turkey's ruling party

A video that emerged of a member of Turkey's ruling AKP doing cocaine has stirred controversy, but it remains to be seen if the damage will be lasting.

Amberin Zaman | Turkey | Mar 31, 2021

Kursat Ayvatoglu is seen snorting what appears to be cocaine in a leaked video

Lebanon's Salameh threatens to sue Bloomberg over sanctions report

Bloomberg reported on Thursday that the United States is considering sanctions on Lebanon’s central bank chief, Riad Salameh.

Al-Monitor Staff | Business | Mar 5, 2021

Corruption and nepotism

Turkey's 'babyfaced' fraud suspect in jail after three years on run

Mehmet Aydin, wanted since early 2018, is back in Turkey to face an online fraud case that has raised questions about how he remained free for so long in South America.

Turkish-Danish hospital deal might be more than meets the eye

Another Iraqi intelligence officer killed in Baghdad

Arrest warrant issued for exiled mobster who promises to 'ruin' Turkish officials

Erdogan swats aside mobster, stands behind interior minister

Iraq unveils massive anti-corruption project

Erdogan in hot spot as Turks question 'mafiazation' of politics

How an exiled mafia boss became the center of Turkish politics

Khamenei calls for more younger people in Iran's next administration

Qatar orders arrest of finance minister in corruption probe

The cost of Turkey’s grey passport scandal

Key Sunni politician’s arrest for corruption raises questions

As Iran looks to boost production, major political barriers remain

Cocaine video scandal deals blow to Turkey's ruling party

Lebanon's Salameh threatens to sue Bloomberg over sanctions report

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