# Corruption investigations in Turkish municipalities > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261003-corruption-investigations-in-turkish-municipalities > Updated: 2026-10-10T15:05:00.000Z. Sources: 76. Developments: 5. Corruption and embezzlement investigations have expanded across multiple Turkish municipalities, including Eskişehir, Mersin, Bursa, Yalova, Silifke, and Yahşihan. In İzmir, investigations in Çeşme led to the arrest of 10 individuals, including Deputy Mayor Emre Can Durmaz, on charges of bribery and extortion. In Bayraklı, 15 suspects, including former Mayor Serdar Sandal, were arrested regarding a corruption case involving Baybel A.Ş. that reportedly caused over 20 million TL in public loss. Other legal actions include a probe in Kırıkkale’s Yahşihan Municipality involving seized luxury assets and a 55-page indictment in Bolu regarding tender fraud at BOL TUR AŞ. In Istanbul, the Esenyurt Municipality remains a central focus. Following the removal of Mayor Ahmet Özer and the appointment of a trustee, an investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, including Deputy Mayor Yusuf Ulutaş and Parks and Gardens Manager İbrahim Doğancıoğlu. The probe targets a systematic bribery scheme where contractors allegedly paid approximately 20 percent of contract values to secure tenders. Witness testimonies describe significant illicit transfers, including one claim of 9 million TL delivered directly to Ulutaş’s office and other reports of payments totaling between 300,000 and 400,000 USD. Financial records indicate that following large progress payments from the municipality, significant portions of the funds were often withdrawn in cash by the involved companies on the same or following day. While nine suspects were arrested, 10 others were released under judicial control measures, including house arrest for four individuals. ## Claims - Legal measures were placed on 2,031 real estate properties as part of the investigation. (disputed by 6 sources) - Authorities seized 1,630 real estate properties registered to Yahşihan Deputy Mayor Satılmış Serkan Yıldıran. (disputed by 3 sources) - The Kırıkkale Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting an investigation into current and former employees of the Yahşihan Municipality. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Ten suspects, including Çeşme Deputy Mayor Emre Can Durmaz, were arrested for bribery and forming a criminal organization. (corroborated by 12 sources) - A corruption investigation is targeting Mersin Metropolitan, Mezitli, and Yenişehir municipalities. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The investigation was coordinated by the Çeşme Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Two suspects were released under judicial control and a ban on traveling abroad. (corroborated by 9 sources) - A criminal complaint was filed against Diriliş Spor Yapı İnşaat Limited Şirket for allegedly defrauding investors receiving state agricultural and rural development grants. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Silifke Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating allegations of unfair benefits obtained through municipal tenders, procurement, and zoning processes. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Seven suspects, including deputy mayors and a former zoning manager, were detained in Silifke. (corroborated by 6 sources) - A search of suspect Ali Özbaran's residence uncovered 257,600 euros, 25,120 dollars, 64,100 pounds, and 4 kilograms of gold bullion. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-10: Esenyurt Municipality corruption probe leads to 9 arrests Nine people, including Esenyurt Deputy Mayor Yusuf Ulutaş, were arrested in a corruption probe involving bribery and tender fraud at the Esenyurt Municipality in Istanbul. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esenyurt-municipality-corruption-investigation-leads-to-19-suspects ### 2026-10-10: Bolu Municipality subsidiary faces indictment for embezzlement and tender fraud An indictment has been accepted in Bolu, Turkey, involving 14 defendants accused of embezzlement and tender fraud at the municipal subsidiary BOL TUR AŞ, resulting in significant public losses. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolu-municipality-subsidiary-faces-indictment-for-embezzlement-and-tender-fraud ### 2026-10-08: Turkey conducts major operations against municipal corruption and organized crime Turkish authorities have launched widespread operations against organized crime and municipal corruption, resulting in numerous arrests in Çeşme, Bayraklı, and Yahşihan, alongside a major illegal betting probe. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-municipalities-face-widespread-corruption-and-bribery-investigations ### 2026-10-03: Turkish municipalities face widespread corruption investigations Turkish authorities are conducting widespread corruption investigations targeting several municipalities, including Mersin and Bursa, involving mayors and officials accused of bribery, fraud, and embezzlement. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mersin-municipalities-investigation-leads-to-59-detentions ### 2026-09-11: Tepebaşı Municipality corruption indictment filed in Eskişehir An indictment has been filed against 22 suspects, including 13 detainees, for alleged embezzlement and procurement fraud within Turkey's Tepebaşı Municipality in Eskişehir. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tepeba-municipality-corruption-indictment-submitted-to-court --- Cite as: Corruption investigations in Turkish municipalities. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261003-corruption-investigations-in-turkish-municipalities