Turkey legal updates: Can Dündar assets and İBB corruption trials

In Turkey, legal proceedings continue regarding high-profile political and corruption investigations. The Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) has identified five properties belonging to exiled journalist Can Dündar, which were confiscated following a 2020 court ruling. These assets are located in Istanbul (Üsküdar), Bodrum, and Ankara. The TMSF is managing these properties as a trustee, with rental income from a Çengelköy property reported at 95,000 TL per month being deposited into an escrow account. Legal steps are also being taken to adjust rent for a villa in Bodrum.

Separately, the investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) has reached its decision hearing. The case involves 414 defendants, including Ekrem İmamoğlu. During testimony, businessman Muzaffer Beyaz provided additional statements regarding allegations of bribery and the transfer of four apartments to Hasan İmamoğlu. Beyaz claimed that certain individuals requested bribes for municipal permits and that property transfers were made to Hasan İmamoğlu following such requests.

Additionally, a major trial involving the Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization has commenced, with 200 defendants, including several dismissed mayors, facing trial.