Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality officials detained in corruption probe

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Ekrem İmamoğlu corruption investigation bid-rigging municipal tenders

A major corruption investigation targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) has led to a new wave of detentions and ongoing legal proceedings. Authorities have detained several high-level bureaucrats, including Mustafa Sökmen (Head of Procurement), Ali Toy (Branch Manager for Kent Lokantaları), Neslihan Vural (former Head of Financial Affairs), and Gökhan Fırtına (Zabıta manager).

The investigation, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, focuses on allegations of bid-rigging and causing public loss through municipal tenders, including purchases for the mayoral residence. The probe was triggered by reports from the Ministry of Interior's inspectors and court-appointed experts.

Simultaneously, the long-running trial involving 414 defendants, including suspended Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, continues in Silivri. İmamoğlu, who faces charges including bribery, money laundering, and bid-rigging, has denied all allegations, describing the indictment as baseless. During recent hearings, the court ordered the release of two defendants, Ali Rıza Akyüz and Serkan Öztürk, while the detention of 51 other defendants, including İmamoğlu, remains in effect. The next hearing is scheduled for September 7.

Entities

Ali Toy · Ekrem İmamoğlu · Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality · Mustafa Sökmen · Neslihan Vural

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] Neslihan Vural, the former Head of İBB Financial Affairs, was detained. www.ogunhaber.com · artigercek.com · www.bolgegundem.com.tr · www.f5haber.com · www.internethaber.com · +3 more
[● 10 SOURCES] Authorities conducted a new operation targeting high-level Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) bureaucrats. www.ogunhaber.com · www.haber3.com · batmanrehbergazetesi.com · www.yorumla.net · artigercek.com · +5 more
[● 8 SOURCES] The corruption trial involving 414 defendants, including 53 in custody, reached its 73rd hearing. anlatilaninotesi.com.tr · haber.mynet.com · www.yenimesaj.com.tr · www.cumhuriyet.com.tr · www.gercekgundem.com · +2 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences for Ekrem İmamoğlu ranging from 828 years to 2,352 years.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ekrem İmamoğlu faces charges including bribery, money laundering, and bid rigging.
[● 8 SOURCES] Gökhan Fırtına, a Zabıta manager, was detained. www.ogunhaber.com · artigercek.com · www.bolgegundem.com.tr · www.f5haber.com · www.internethaber.com · +3 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Mustafa Sökmen, the İBB Head of Procurement, was detained. www.ogunhaber.com · batmanrehbergazetesi.com · artigercek.com · www.bolgegundem.com.tr · www.f5haber.com · +3 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Ali Toy, the Branch Manager responsible for Kent Lokantaları, was detained. www.ogunhaber.com · batmanrehbergazetesi.com · artigercek.com · www.bolgegundem.com.tr · www.f5haber.com · +3 more