Mayor Muhittin Böcek accused of carrying euros and holding secret talks with Istanbul mayor

Antalya Büyükşehir Belediye Başkanı Muhittin Böcek is under a corruption investigation by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. His mobile aide Yasin Yellice testified that on 15 January 2024, during a trip to Manisa, he opened Böcek’s navy‑blue mid‑size backpack and found it packed with euros, though the exact amount was unclear.

Yellice also recounted two private meetings between Böcek and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu before Böcek’s candidacy was announced: a roughly 45‑minute discussion at the Renaissance Polat Hotel on 30 November 2023, after which İmamoğlu told him “there will be no problem with my candidacy,” and a one‑hour meeting on 17 December 2023 at İmamoğlu’s election office, after which he said “my son has no problem left.”

Böcek later claimed he had asked İmamoğlu’s circle for about €15 million in support, describing a payment of €5 million he intended to make in Istanbul. Muratpaşa Belediye Başkanı Ümit Uysal denied receiving any money, stating he met İmamoğlu for only 15 minutes and would file a criminal complaint. The allegations tie large sums of cash to candidate selection for the 2024 local elections.