Bakırköy Municipality corruption investigation leads to 68 detentions

The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a large-scale investigation into corruption and irregularities at the Bakırköy Municipality in Istanbul. The probe focuses on allegations of bid-rigging in procurement processes and extortion involving business license applications between 2024 and 2026.

Authorities have issued detention warrants for 68 suspects, including five deputy mayors, two municipal council members, municipal staff, and representatives from companies participating in tenders. During early morning operations conducted by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command, dozens of individuals were taken into custody.

The investigation involves the examination of 42 tender files by experts to determine if public funds were lost through illegal practices. Additionally, prosecutors are investigating claims that business owners were pressured to pay illegal fees to obtain operating licenses, with those who refused facing intentional delays in their applications. Investigators are utilizing MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) reports and HTS (telecommunication) records to build the case.