Mayors of Seferihisar and Balçova Detained in İzmir Corruption Raid

Turkish prosecutors carried out a coordinated operation in İzmir against the municipalities of Seferihisar and Balçova. Both mayors – İsmail Yetişkin (Seferihisar) and Onur Yiğit (Balçova), members of the CHP – were taken into custody along with municipal staff and local businessmen, bringing the total number of detainees to 24. The investigation focuses on alleged bribery and irregularities in construction, zoning and procurement processes that allegedly took place before the March 31, 2024 elections.

Police statements said the suspects were involved in “hand‑to‑hand and bank‑based payments” received or given in exchange for favouring contractors in building and land‑use matters. Searches were conducted at municipal offices and related addresses, and the detained individuals remain in police custody pending further legal action.

A related anti‑corruption sweep also saw the mayor of Istanbul’s Adalar district, Ali Ercan Akpolat, among 35 people detained, indicating a broader crackdown on CHP‑run local administrations across Turkey.