Turkey's Chief Prosecution has launched an investigation regarding the alleged existence of a so-called parallel state in the country.

Allegations to that effect were made by Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan soon after the start of a high-profile corruption investigation that involved at least three cabinet ministers, and possibly Erdogan himself.

As a result, Erdogan made a major reshuffle, replacing 10 ministers end of December.

According to the Turkish PM, "there is a parallel organizational structure within Turkey's judicial system."

Erdogan has repeatedly described the corruption probe as a plot to overthrow his government, supported by outside forces.

On their part, political rivals have accused the PM of consolidating power around himself and an alleged "deep state" consisting of ties between parts of Turkey's security services, organized crime and political elites.

A number of influential public figures close to Erdogan have also come out with the claim of a "parallel state" in Turkey, which has embarked on a campaign against the PM.

The Turkish armed forces have come out with an official statement that they will not interfere in the country's political process.