Investigators in Turkey complete charging documentation for a significant CHP corruption scandal case
In a significant development, the "Aziz Ihsan Aktaş Criminal Organization" investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, has shed light on a series of multimillion-lira contracts between Aktas' companies and various municipalities, extending beyond Istanbul to Adana, Seyhan, and Adıyaman.
The corruption case, expected to detail allegations against nearly 200 suspects, has seen around 50 individuals currently in detention. The investigation has uncovered wide-ranging irregularities, some linked to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
Among those arrested are several prominent CHP officials, including Rıza Akpolat (Beşiktaş Mayor), Zeydan Karalar (Adana Metropolitan Mayor), Ahmet Özer (Esenyurt Mayor), Hakan Bahçetepe (Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor), and Utku Caner Çaykara (Avcılar Mayor).
Aktas, a key suspect, has made new claims after his release under judicial control, alleging that the corruption case stemmed from mutual denunciations between Imamoglu and Akpolat due to political rivalry.
The investigation has seen the addition of reports from the Tax Inspection Board, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), and expert tax auditors, confirming fraud amounting to approximately TL 30 billion. Judicial control decisions, including house arrest for Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere, have also been issued.
Notably, among the fugitives are five prominent figures, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's advisor Ibrahim Bulbulu, Besiktas Municipality employee Okan Ovet, and Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu.
Sixteen suspects have taken part as confessors, providing key testimonies that have reshaped the case. Aktas himself confessed and provided extensive information about a corrupt tender system in the municipalities he worked with.
Nineteen suspects, including Besiktas Mayor Riza Akpolat, Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Ozer, Gaziosmanpasa Mayor Hakan Bahcetepe, Avcilar Mayor Utku Caner Caykara, Ceyhan Mayor Kadir Aydar, Seyhan Mayor Oya Tekin, IBB Deputy Secretary-General Erdal Celal Aksoy, CHP Party Assembly Member Baki Aydoner, and ISFALT General Manager Burak Korzay, were arrested on charges of "membership in a criminal organization, rigging tenders, unlawful acquisition of property, and laundering of assets obtained through crime."
The indictment for a TL 30 billion ($730 million) corruption case, primarily involving municipalities run by the Republican People's Party (CHP), will soon be presented to the court. A seizure of TL 430 million had been initiated against the Beşiktaş Municipality through Bilginay Cleaning Services, owned by Aktaş, as a consequence of an illegal tender process.
The investigation continues to unfold, providing a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public office.
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