Istanbul Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler Remains Detained as Trial Is Deferred

The Istanbul Anatolian 17 Heavy Penal Court continued the trial of 26 suspects linked to the Beykoz Municipality scandal, including Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler and Special Desk Manager Veli Gümüş. The court ordered that both Köseler and Gümüş remain in custody, while businessman Uğur İnci was granted release. The case centres on alleged bid‑rigging, organized‑crime activity and fraud, with prosecutors seeking up to 67 years of imprisonment for Köseler. The next hearing was set for 9‑12 October.

The investigation, launched by the Beykoz public prosecutor’s office, initially targeted 21 municipal employees for “tampering with public tenders” and “forming an organisation to commit crimes”. Over time the number of detainees rose to 26, with several suspects previously released under judicial control.