Former Antalya Mayor Muhittin Böcek claims €950k cash transfer in CHP bribery probe

Former Antalya mayor Muhittin Böcek, who was detained and removed from office, gave an extra statement to the Antalya public prosecutor. He said he transported about 950,000 euros in cash to former CHP deputy Ferdi Zeyrek in Manisa on the instructions of CHP official Özgür Özel, describing it as a contribution to his candidacy.

Böcek also recounted that his son delivered 1 million euros to the CHP headquarters and that additional cash – including 200,000 dollars – was handed over during his campaign launch. He claimed he paid the election expenses of other local candidates, amounting to roughly 15 million Turkish lira, and provided vehicles, fuel and other support to districts with limited resources.

The allegations have triggered a broader controversy within the CHP, including a police‑forced evacuation of the party headquarters, accusations that a party member distributed chocolate at the event, and a dispute over a caricature of the late Ferdi Zeyrek involving MP Gülşah Alyans. Prosecutors are expected to deepen investigations into possible violations of the Political Parties Law, money‑laundering and related offenses.