Şile Municipality corruption probe reveals festival tender fraud

An investigation by the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into corruption and organized crime within the Şile Municipality has uncovered significant financial irregularities regarding the 35th International Şile Cloth Culture and Art Festival.

Financial reports from MASAK and forensic experts indicate that the tender process was manipulated. Sur Müzik, which received approximately 38 million TL in payments, is alleged to have acted as a front company to benefit Koşan Adam, a firm managed by Berkant Acil, which lacked the necessary credentials to bid directly.

The investigation highlights a massive transfer of funds, including a single 1.5 million dollar cash deposit into the account of Haluk Levent's assistant, Yeliz Kaya, which was moved out of the system the following day. Reports also note a total transfer volume of 96.3 million TL between Berkant Acil and Haluk Levent.

Furthermore, the former Culture Director, Nesibe Esin Pamir, testified that she faced pressure from Deputy Mayor Berna Avcı to sign off on the tender, with Avcı claiming the international nature of the festival would exempt it from austerity measures. Allegations also include the purchase of luxury mobile phones intended as bribes for municipal officials.