started · updated
Istanbul judicial bribery probe leads to arrests and suspensions
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a major investigation into organized interference in judicial processes across various Istanbul courts between 2022 and 2024. The probe focuses on allegations of bribery, money laundering, and the formation of a criminal organization aimed at influencing legal proceedings for financial gain.
To date, eight suspects have been arrested, including B. K., a former judge of the Istanbul 4th Enforcement Law Court, who was detained on bribery charges. Additionally, five judges and prosecutors have been suspended from their duties. Authorities have also issued arrest warrants for two judicial members currently located abroad.
The investigation involves a wide range of actors, including businesspeople, politicians, and lawyers. Notably, the case involving İYİ Party Kocaeli MP Lütfü Türkkan has been separated and transferred to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office following allegations that a court case involving him was influenced through illegal payments.
In a separate but related criminal matter, an operation against the 'Çirkinler' armed criminal organization resulted in the detention of five suspects. This group is accused of threatening jewelry business owners, including Zen Pırlanta, via messages from foreign phone numbers to extort money.
Entities
B. K. · Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Bakırköy Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı · Emil Güzeliş · Hakimler ve Savcılar Kurulu · Istanbul · Istanbul 4th Enforcement Law Court · Istanbul Police Department · Lütfü Türkkan · Mehmet Diribaş · Zen Pırlanta · Çirkinler
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 13 SOURCES] The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating an organized criminal structure in Istanbul. www.bolgegazetesivan.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.safakgazete.com · www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.haberport.com · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Authorities seized drugs and precision scales during searches of the suspects' residences.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 'Çirkinler' organization demanded 1 million euros from Mehmet Diribaş via threatening messages.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police detained five suspects in connection with the extortion and threats against Zen Pırlanta owners.
- [DISPUTED] The five suspects have been referred to a judge with a request for arrest.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The organization demanded 2 million euros from Emil Güzeliş and threatened his children.
- [● 13 SOURCES] Two judicial members currently abroad are wanted by authorities. www.bolgegazetesivan.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.safakgazete.com · www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.haberport.com · +4 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Five judges and prosecutors have been suspended from duty. www.bolgegazetesivan.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.safakgazete.com · www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.haberport.com · +4 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] The investigation includes allegations of bribery involving millions of Turkish Liras. www.bolgegazetesivan.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.safakgazete.com · www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.haberport.com · +4 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] The investigation covers illegal interference in judicial processes between 2022 and 2024. www.bolgegazetesivan.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.safakgazete.com · www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.haberport.com · +4 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] A case involving İYİ Party MP Lütfü Türkkan has been separated and sent to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. www.bolgegazetesivan.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.safakgazete.com · www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.haberport.com · +4 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Former Istanbul 4th Enforcement Law Court Judge B. K. has been arrested for bribery. www.bolgegazetesivan.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.safakgazete.com · www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.haberport.com · +4 more