Istanbul trial of Fatih Keleş proceeds in Ekrem İmamoğlu cash scandal

The 63rd hearing of the case dubbed the “Ekrem İmamoğlu secret cash” trial continued in Istanbul, focusing on Fatih Keleş, a former adviser to the mayor and former head of the municipal sports club. Prosecutors questioned Keleş about alleged cash transfers linked to the purchase of the CHP Istanbul provincial headquarters, stating, “Hand‑to‑hand cash is unusual for corporate purchases.” Keleş replied, “I never looked at it from that angle.”

Keleş’s lawyer argued that his client must be present in the courtroom, and the presiding judge ordered that Keleş be brought in for his defense the following day. Cross‑examination highlighted the similarity of testimonies from multiple witnesses and probed Keleş’s role in the Cebeci project, which he asserted is a mineral region outside municipal authority. He also denied accusations of environmental violations related to the project. The trial remains ongoing, with further hearings scheduled for early July.