Turkish Prosecutor Seeks Arrest of Former CHP Lawmaker Over Zarrab Case

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s office sought an arrest warrant for Aykan Erdemir, a former lawmaker with main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), over charges of providing “fake reports” against Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab at an ongoing case in New York City.

Mr. Erdemir who is a fellow with The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) faces the legal probe for helping the U.S. case against the gold mogul.

Turkish prosecutors also launched a probe into banking auditor Osman Zeki Canitez. The two names appeared on nine-page of a list of individuals and entities that could be called as witnesses in the sanctions trial.

According to a statement from Istanbul prosecutor’s office, the former CHP lawmaker and Mr. Canitez are being investigated whether they destroyed paperwork relating to state security and stole documents with the intention of using them abroad, the Hurriyet Daily News reported.

The probe reveals that Turkey may take action against other Turkish nationals whose names appeared on the list of the court released on Monday after jury selection.

Mr. Zarrab who faced charges of evading U.S. sanctions against Iran, engaging in illicit trade and exploited U.S. banking system through the use of Turkish banks did not appear at court on Monday.

U.S. Judge Richard Berman told jury candidates that Halkbank executive Mehmet Hakan Atilla will be the only defendant in the trial.

FDD Chairman Mark Dubowitz and senior vice chairman Jonathan Schanzer will be expert witnesses in the sanctions trial, according to Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency.