20 Suspects Detained in Istanbul Municipality Corruption Case
Turkish judicial authorities have detained 20 managers and employees of the Istanbul Municipality as part of an ongoing investigation into a financial corruption case. The detentions followed months of scrutiny into alleged irregularities in some of the municipality’s affiliated companies.
According to judicial sources, those detained include senior officials from the Istanbul Municipality’s Press, Publications, and Public Relations Department. Among them are Taner Çetin, the head of the municipality’s Press Department, along with several deputies and colleagues. The investigation suggests that these individuals are under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in certain contracts and tenders linked to the municipality’s subsidiaries.
Two affiliated companies, Medya A.Ş. and Kültür A.Ş., are at the center of the probe. Examinations indicate possible violations in some of these companies’ tender processes and contracts. Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) is also reviewing financial transactions related to the case.
This case is part of broader investigations that previously led to probes into the activities of certain Istanbul Municipality officials. In recent months, several other officials, including the city’s former mayor, have been investigated over similar allegations.
After completing legal procedures, the detainees were referred to the Istanbul Special Authority Court. Judicial officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and more details about the case may emerge in the coming days.
