A police chief charged with stealing humanitarian aid destined for earthquake victims has been released on bail by a Turkish court in the northwestern province of Tekirdağ, Halk TV reported on Saturday.
The police chief in question, like many of his peers was appointed to the disaster region temporarily to ensure security following the earthquake of 6 February in Turkey’s southern provinces. However, the police chief loaded some of the earthquake aid into a police vehicle and transported it from earthquake-stricken Hatay to Tekirdağ, where he lived.
Noticing his actions, his colleagues lodged an official complaint. Surveillance recordings show the chief constable carrying large amounts of things like heating appliances, pet food and period products into his home.
The police launched an investigation into him on suspicion of looting, and the prosecution brought charges calling for him to be remanded in custody, but the court overseeing the case ruled for his release on bail.