New decree to authorize probe of FETÖ ties in bourses, trade organizations: Minister

"Operations will be carried out in each and every trade body. It is claimed that 1,500 personnel in such institutions have ties to FETÖ,” said Tüfenkci.

The government was currently drawing up a third legislative decree formed in the framework of the recently declared state of emergency which would include authorization to carry out operations in trade bodies, as well as certain other various authorizations which are likely to stir controversy. 

According to the information obtained so far, the upcoming decree will not only authorize the Customs and Trade Ministry to dismiss personnel from trade bodies, but also allow the dismissal of employees linked to FETÖ from the customs consultancy. 

“Customs consultants will also be included in the examinations, with the intention of revealing any and all personnel associated with FETÖ. Our ministry will have the authority to carry out such examinations. There are currently 20,000 customs consultants, of whom 200 are suspected to be linked to FETÖ,” explained Tüfenkci, adding that employees found to be linked to the organization would have their records wiped out. 
Tüfenkci added that trust between the ministry and customs employees was vital, as “they can do anything they wish if their intentions are not good.”

Tüfekci also shed light on the events and operations that took place at border checkpoints on the night of the coup attempt.

“The coup plotters’ instructions read: ‘Close customs gates and restrict any activity at the checkpoints.’ We intervened the minute we were informed. There was resistance only at the Dilucu and Sarp checkpoints. Usual activity resumed after a few troublesome hours. We instructed customs employees to be extremely careful with international entry and exit procedures to catch any escapees. For example, around 30 soldiers tried to flee to Cyprus with their families at Taşucu. Four soldiers were identified on the İzmir coast as they were loading a ship, aiming for Italy. They’ve been caught and detained. Our quick intervention restricted possible problems from occurring at customs,” he noted.