200 documents seized in 'anti-parallel' operation in western Turkey

About 200 document files and computers have been seized by ?zmir police after a 21 hour-long search of an ?zmir-based foundation and a private university and its linked hospital, as well as a Bursa-based company which was said to have business ties with the foundation, as part of an investigation launched over allegations of financially supporting the alleged ?parallel structure.?

The ?zmir Police Department Financial Crimes Unit on June 24 launched multiple searches into the Turkish Medical Foundation (TÜTAV), ?ifa University and ?ifa Hospital, both founded by TÜTAV, as part of an investigation started over claims of funding the alleged ?parallel structure? and fabricating false documents, Anadolu Agency reported on June 25.

The Bursa Police with the company of tax auditors, meanwhile, conducted a search of a company which was said to have business ties with the foundation early June 24 in the northwestern province.

Eight executives from TÜTAV were summoned to testify. While their testimonies were not yet completed, one was said to be linked with the Bursa-based company. The police clarified the executives would be not detained, and were asked only to testify. 

The foundation?s chairman of the board was also among those who were summoned to testify, Do?an News Agency reported on June 24.

The foundation?s secretary general, Alaattin Alata?, said the foundation had no more links to the hospitals subjected to the investigation and that it functioned as a financial aid provider to students. One of the hospitals passed on to the family of a Justice and Development Party (AKP) candidate in the past, while the police said they found no evidence the hospital which belonged to the AKP candidate?s family did official misconduct.