Ekrem İmamoğlu corruption trial continues in Istanbul

The corruption and organized crime trial involving Ekrem İmamoğlu, the suspended Mayor of Istanbul, has reached its 85th hearing. The indictment alleges that İmamoğlu acted as the leader of a criminal organization, facing charges including bribery, money laundering, fraud, and embezzlement. Prosecutors claim the activities of the group since 2014 have resulted in a public loss of approximately 160 billion Turkish Liras and 24 million dollars, alongside 95 real estate properties.

During the proceedings, several defendants provided testimony regarding commercial pressure and bribery. Businessman Mert Saraç testified that he was forced to pay fraudulent invoices for goods never received, such as wristbands, to secure 10 million TL in outstanding payments from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) subsidiaries. Another defendant, Tamer Gümüş, admitted to handing over 30,000 Euros in cash to a procurement manager, claiming he was pressured to do so to protect his business and secure future tenders.

In his defense, İmamoğlu addressed allegations regarding the use of official vehicles, stating his preference for using his personal car to save public funds. He also addressed claims regarding fuel expenses, asserting that any errors were corrected and funds returned. The court has also issued arrest warrants for several individuals, including Utku Cihan, who failed to appear at the hearings.