Edirne zoning commission chairman arrested for bribery

Engin Yağcılar, the chairman of the Edirne Municipality zoning commission and a lawyer, has been arrested on bribery charges. The investigation began after a 71-year-old contractor, Nazmi Ö., filed a complaint with the Edirne Provincial Security Directorate's Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch.

According to the complaint, Nazmi Ö. had been unable to progress on a construction project since 2016 due to issues regarding the building's distance from the road. He alleged that Yağcılar contacted him, claiming his position on the commission would allow him to secure the necessary permit approvals. The contractor claimed Yağcılar requested a bribe of 200,000 euros, proposing to receive the payment in Bulgaria.

Following a court order for technical surveillance, authorities recorded a meeting between the two individuals at the Üç Şerefeli Mosque on September 1. This led to a police operation during which computers and documents were seized from Yağcılar's residence and law office. In addition to bribery, Yağcılar is under investigation for money laundering, with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) tasked with reviewing his assets.