A Twitter whistleblower Fuat Avni claimed on Tuesday that Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MİT) have prepared a fake passport to help him escape from the United Stated, where he is currently on trial for evading US sanctions on Iran.
Zarrab was at the center of the Dec. 17, 2013 corruption scandal that shook the Turkish government to its core and led to the resignation of four ministers.
He was accused of bribing Turkish Cabinet ministers in exchange of favorable financial dealings as part of a scheme to evade US-led Iranian sanctions. The twin graft investigations targeted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his inner circle. Erdoğan had described Zarrab as a “philanthropist” following allegations that he generously bribed ministers in turn for favors ranging from getting a Turkish citizenship and evading customs for controversial shipments. Zarrab and all the other suspects were released and the charges were dropped after a government move that dismissed the prosecutors who oversaw the investigation.
Avni claimed on Twitter that Erdoğan ordered for Zarrab to leave the US as soon as he is released on bail. Avni said that a fake Turkish passport were prepared for Zarrab with a different name and he will flee to Turkey.
Atrial to adress Zarrab’s bail request is due to take place on June 20.
