Turkey Issues Travel Bans for 29 Suspects in Poultry Sector Competition Probe

Turkish authorities have issued international travel bans for 29 suspects as part of an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices within the poultry sector. The probe, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and conducted by the Istanbul Police Department's Financial Crimes Branch, began after reviewing decisions from the Competition Authority and information from the Ministry of Trade.

Investigators reportedly concluded that certain individuals involved in companies operating in the chicken meat sector were directly or indirectly obstructing market competition. This assessment prompted simultaneous operations on June 12 across multiple provinces, including Istanbul, Balıkesir, Bolu, Ankara, Uşak, Bursa, İzmir, Samsun, Kocaeli, Manisa, Gaziantep, Sakarya, and Muğla.

During the operation, 29 suspects were apprehended. After undergoing questioning at the police department, they were brought before the court. The court decided to release all 29 suspects under judicial control, with the primary condition being a ban on leaving the country. Investigations and legal proceedings are ongoing.