Response from Istanbul
A major financial scandal allegedly involving a leading executive of the ruling party causes unrest in Turkey, at a time when the government is preparing for the next elections.
Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya, vice president of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and former Family Minister, submitted her resignation from all party and political positions she held. At the same time, she announced that she asked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to get rid of her duties.
Her resignation was accepted, while the prosecutors went on to request preventive measures for the assets of the same and her family.
Asset research
The Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office called for the freezing of assets of Fatma Kaya and her husband Ilia Kaya, as well as assets associated with their children.
In her posting on social media, Kaya said serious allegations have been made against her, stressing that a politician's responsibility is not limited to the legal dimension alone.
"Our duty requires that we assume political and moral responsibility when necessary," he said, adding that he wants the charges to be fully resolved and that the investigation and interrogation be conducted without any shadow or doubt.
Investments and profits
According to the allegations investigated, Kaya and her husband made investments totalling £163 million and five months later are reported to have withdrawn more than £2 billion.
The case is part of a wider investigation involving investment funds and financial transactions. The case has been initiated against 76 suspects, 45 of whom have already been arrested.
Among the arrested is Erkan Kilimji, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey. 
Source: Deutsche Welle
