Seferihisar Municipality bribery probe leads to multiple arrests

The İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office coordinated a large‑scale anti‑corruption operation targeting Seferihisar Municipality. Investigators alleged that municipal officials and private construction firms exchanged about 6 million Turkish lira in bribes for favourable imar (urban planning) decisions.

Key figures detained include Seferihisar Deputy Mayor Gökhan Pehlivan, several construction company executives, a public servant and other alleged intermediaries. The spouse of former Güzelbahçe Mayor Mustafa Günay, Nermin Günay, was also taken into custody after financial records showed suspicious transfers.

Simultaneous raids were carried out in İzmir, Istanbul and Ankara, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects; five were subsequently sentenced to detention, one was released on health grounds and the remainder were placed under judicial control. The operation highlights ongoing scrutiny of municipal governance and alleged misuse of public planning processes in Turkey.