A series of coordinated dawn operations have targeted multiple municipal administrations across Istanbul and Denizli, leading to the detention of dozens of individuals. The investigations span allegations of tender rigging, bribery for construction permits and administrative irregularities.
In Istanbul, the operations focused on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) and the Üsküdar Municipality, while a separate raid took place at the Merkezefendi Municipality in Denizli.
Tender Rigging Probe at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an operation targeting the İBB’s Road Maintenance and Repair Branch Directorate and the Electronic Systems Branch Directorate. Authorities allege that a “fictional tender systematic” was employed to rig public procurement processes.
Out of 13 suspects identified, 12 were detained. One suspect, Levent Ilgın, remains at large as he is reported to be abroad.
Those detained include Department Head Ayhan Taş, European Side Road Maintenance and Repair Branch Manager Murat Er, and Electronic Systems Manager Hakan Çakır. Also detained were engineer Menderes Çakmak, technician Erkan Kavlak, and technical specification preparers Erkan Koç, İbrahim Yaşaroğlu, Muhammet Sertaç Kazıcı, and Niyazi Baştürk, alongside Zeynep Düşmez, İsmail Kurtuluş, and İhsan Sabri Kurtuluş.
Occupancy Permit Scandal in Üsküdar
A second wave of operations hit the Üsküdar Municipality’s Kent A.Ş. Regarding the illegal issuance of occupancy permits. The Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the probe, which was carried out by the Istanbul Police Department’s Financial Crimes Branch.
Investigators allege that financial benefits were demanded from contractors and agents in exchange for approving permits for structures that did not comply with project regulations. These demands were reportedly shaped following evaluations involving high-level managers.
Seven suspects were detained in this phase of the operation. Authorities believe the illicit payments were made via cash, company accounts, and various other channels.
Dawn Raids in Denizli
The crackdown extended to the Denizli region, where a dawn operation was conducted at the Merkezefendi Municipality. This probe resulted in the detention of five individuals.
Among those taken into custody is the Deputy Mayor of Merkezefendi, Emrah Karan.
Potential Next Steps
Legal proceedings are likely to follow for the 24 total detainees across the three municipalities. Prosecutors may seek to trace the “different channels” used for payments in the Üsküdar case to identify further accomplices.
Efforts to locate Levent Ilgın, the suspect currently abroad, are expected to continue as part of the İBB investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were detained in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality operation?
Twelve suspects were detained, while one suspect remains abroad.
What are the specific allegations against the Üsküdar Municipality?
The allegations involve the request of financial benefits in exchange for granting occupancy permits to buildings that violated project regulations.
Who was the high-ranking official detained in Denizli?
Deputy Mayor Emrah Karan was among the five people detained during the operation at the Merkezefendi Municipality.
How should municipal governments balance rapid urban development with strict adherence to procurement and permit regulations?
