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Turkey corruption and organized crime trials

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2026-09-08 13:58 UTC → 2026-09-09 00:26 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Legal proceedings in Turkey have focused on high-profile corruption and organized crime investigations involving municipal officials and political figures. In Istanbul, a large-scale investigation involving 414 defendants, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, has progressed through decision hearings and testimony. Prosecutors are ~~now~~ seeking prison sentences for İmamoğlu ranging from 828 to 2,352 years. Allegations include bribery regarding municipal permits and money laundering. During recent proceedings, Eyüp Subaşı defended his company, Panoffect Medya, claiming it paid 682 million lira in rent without using public funds. Mehmet Selim İmamoğlu defended himself against claims involving the transfer of approximately 388,000 euros to a Croatian company, characterizing the funds as family loans. ~~Additionally,~~ Sarp Yalçınkaya testified that funds were collected for social media management and to support the presidential election. New testimony in the Istanbul case describes an alleged ‘system’ of influence within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. One businessman claimed that a consultant for İmamoğlu requested 500,000 dollars in bribes, alleging that 200,000 dollars was received upfront. Eyüp Subaşı also testified that he was pressured to transfer digital advertising assets to another firm. Simultaneously, corruption trials have emerged in Bolu, where 19 defendants, including suspended Mayor Tanju Özcan, face allegations of bribery, extortion, and fraud. ~~In the second hearing of the Bolu Municipality trial, Özcan~~ Özcan, who has been in detention for over six months, appeared via video ~~link while in detention.~~ link. Testimony from contractor Nazmi Güzel alleged that Özcan and other officials pressured him to pay between 3.5 and 4 million lira to resolve construction permit issues. Specifically, the witness claimed to have provided 1 million lira in cash and a 1.5 million lira check after being threatened with business stalls. Other legal actions include the management of confiscated assets belonging to exiled journalist Can Dündar by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) and a criminal organization trial involving 200 defendants, including several dismissed mayors.

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