In April 2021, it was alleged that two companies owned by the family of the former Turkish minister of trade, Ruhsar Pekcan, sold disinfectants and other medical supplies to the ministry, drawing public criticism for apparent conflict of interest. In response to this controversial case, Turkish President Erdogan dismissed Pekcan from her position, however without providing an official reason for this decision.

The Ministry of Trade confirmed these purchases but stated that the products were bought from these companies due to their low price and urgency because of the pandemic, in an apparent attempt to justify the purchases. Some media alleged that the ministry purchased TRY9 million (app. €926,000 in April 2021) worth of protective equipment from Nanoksia Biotechnology. However, the ministry refuted these claims and announced that the value of these purchases was €51,000 and that they were conducted in line with the relevant laws and regulations.

Media outlets also claimed that Pekcan’s company Nanoksia Biotechnology sold disinfectants to the government at 75% above the market price.

Following the emergence of these allegations, it was also claimed that Nanoksia Biotechnology received state aid amounting to TRY1.4 million (app. €155,000 in April 2021), which was a quarter of state funds intended for small and medium businesses producing personal protective equipment.

Three separate parliamentary motions were filed calling for an investigation into the trade ministry regarding the purchases of thousands of litres of disinfectants from Pekcan related companies, but the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its junior coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), voted them down. The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) filed an investigation proposal to the presidency of the grand national assembly requesting a parliamentary investigation into the former trade minister Ruhsar Pekcan. On 22 April 2021, the People’s Liberation party (HKP) filed a criminal complaint with the Ankara chief public prosecutor’s office against former trade minister Pekcan in relation to this case, alleging that she committed abuse of office and some other corruption-related offences.

However, there have been no developments from the prosecution on the matter. Nevertheless, this case suggests potential risks of conflict of interest, alleged political favouritism in the allocation of public funds, as well as potential misuse of public funds through overpayment to politically connected firms.