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Ekrem İmamoğlu faces corruption trial as defendant alleges $50M bribery network
The corruption trial involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) reached its 90th hearing, featuring testimony from several defendants. Yakup Öner, an İBB map engineer, testified that he received instructions from Ekrem İmamoğlu to facilitate a bribery network. Öner alleged that the network involved approximately 50 million dollars in bribes, including requests for donations to schools or libraries in exchange for construction permits and the waiver of municipal receivables.
Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is among the 436 defendants, denied all allegations, characterizing the proceedings as a perception operation driven by political motives. He maintained that no illegal funds were ever accepted by his administration.
The indictment names İmamoğlu as the leader of a criminal organization and lists numerous charges, including bribery, money laundering, and fraud. Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences for İmamoğlu ranging from 828 years to over 2,352 years based on 142 alleged actions. Other defendants, such as former General Manager Murat Abbas, also provided testimony, with Abbas denying involvement in criminal activities despite his signature appearing on various documents.
The trial continues at the Istanbul 33rd High Criminal Court in Silivri, with 57 defendants currently in custody.
Entities
Ekrem İmamoğlu · Fatih Keleş · Istanbul 33rd High Criminal Court · Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality · Murat Abbas · Yakup Öner
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) corruption case involves 436 defendants, 57 of whom are detained. www.tr724.com · noktahaberyorum.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Yakup Öner described a bribery network totaling approximately 50 million dollars. www.f5haber.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Yakup Öner testified that he received instructions from Ekrem İmamoğlu regarding the alleged bribery network. www.takvim.com.tr · www.f5haber.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ekrem İmamoğlu denied all corruption allegations, stating that no illegal money was ever taken. www.tr724.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former General Manager Murat Abbas denied the charges against him during his defense. dokuz8haber.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] The indictment seeks prison sentences for Ekrem İmamoğlu ranging from 828 years to 2,352 years. www.haberturk.com