Thirty-nine people, including five deputy mayors, were arrested in an investigation into Bakırköy Municipality on charges of “bid rigging” and “extortion by a public official.” The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office examined 42 tenders for goods and services carried out by the municipality between 2024 and 2026. Prosecutors alleged that irregularities in some tenders caused public losses, that business owners seeking opening and operating licenses were unlawfully asked for money, and that licensing procedures were delayed for those who did not pay. Following expert examinations, communication records, Financial Crimes Investigation Board reports and technical surveillance records, detention orders were issued for 76 people, including municipal administrators, council members, employees and company representatives. Sixty-three people were detained in the operations. Prosecutors referred 40 people to a criminal judgeship of peace with requests for their arrest. The judgeship ordered the arrest of 39 people, including deputy mayors Abdülhamit Pehlivan, Cemalettin Özdemir, Arda Karadağ, Ali Rıza Akyüz and Nurcan Alan. The court released 18 people under judicial control, while prosecutors released six people after taking their statements.
31 October 2026
bianet