Esenyurt Municipality corruption probe leads to 9 arrests

Nine suspects, including Esenyurt Deputy Mayor Yusuf Ulutaş, have been arrested following a corruption investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The probe focuses on allegations of tender fraud and bribery involving contractors at the Esenyurt Municipality, which is currently under trustee management.

Witness testimonies and financial investigations have revealed a systematic bribery scheme. Allegations suggest that contractors were required to pay approximately 20 percent of their progress payments as bribes. Specific claims include a witness stating they delivered 9 million TL to Ulutaş in his office, while another claimed to have paid between 300,000 and 400,000 dollars.

In total, 19 individuals were processed by the judiciary. While nine were arrested, 10 others were released under judicial control measures, including house arrest for four individuals. The investigation follows the previous removal of Mayor Ahmet Özer, who was replaced by a trustee.

Financial records showed that following large progress payments from the municipality, significant portions of the funds were often withdrawn in cash by the involved companies on the same or following day.