Turkey arrests multiple mayors amid corruption probes

Turkish authorities have detained and arrested several local mayors as part of anti‑corruption investigations.

In Antalya, incumbent mayor Muhittin Böcek was questioned by journalist Fatih Altaylı over allegations that he transferred up to €15 million via the “havala” system, raising concerns about undisclosed funding.

In Seferihisar, mayor İsmail Yetişkin was taken into custody during a third‑wave operation targeting the municipality; twelve people were arrested. He was subsequently removed from office and a temporary replacement will be chosen. From prison he posted a handwritten message asserting that justice will eventually prevail.

In Istanbul’s Beykoz district, former mayor Alaattin Köseler was arrested – along with former construction‑control chief Ali Cihan Sakman – on charges of bribery, organized‑crime facilitation and fraudulent procurement. An arrest warrant was also issued for former mayoral adviser Levent Özdinç.

All three cases involve accusations of illicit money transfers, bribery and irregular tender processes, reflecting a broader crackdown on municipal corruption in Turkey.