Buca Municipality faces seizure over 150 million TL debt

Enforcement officers, accompanied by police and lawyers, have initiated seizure proceedings against Buca Municipality in İzmir, Turkey. The action follows unpaid rental debts totaling 150 million TL for 118 vehicles and heavy machinery, including garbage trucks, passenger cars, and excavators, spanning the 2024 and 2025 periods.

According to Attorney Ümmü Gökçe Aydoğdu, attempts to reach a settlement with the municipality through the İzmir 5th Enforcement Directorate were unsuccessful. Because assets actively used for public services cannot be seized, the enforcement process is targeting personal property within the offices of the mayor, deputy mayors, and assistant mayors.

The seizure occurs amidst a broader period of legal scrutiny for the municipality. Previous investigations into corruption led to the arrest of several officials, including Mayor Görkem Duman, which subsequently triggered local elections. Following those elections, Hüseyin Benzer was elected as Deputy Mayor.