Istanbul, June 22 – A significant corruption investigation targeting Istanbul’s Adalar Municipality has seen 35 suspects, including Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat, referred to a duty criminal judgeship with a request for their arrest. The probe centers on allegations of bribery and irregularities in issuing permits for properties located in protected natural and archaeological sites within the Adalar district.
Investigation Uncovers Alleged Permit Irregularities
The investigation, coordinated by the Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, was launched after claims surfaced that permits were being issued illegally for sites under special protection status. Authorities allege that municipal officials and business owners engaged in negotiations over bribes, with money reportedly handed over to officials or individuals connected to them.
On June 19, Istanbul Financial Crimes Unit teams conducted simultaneous operations across 90 addresses in Istanbul and three other provinces. During these raids, 41 suspects, including Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat, were initially detained. An additional suspect was apprehended later, bringing the total number of detainees to 42.
35 Suspects Referred for Arrest
Following their questioning at the prosecutor’s office, 35 of the 42 detainees, including Mayor Akpolat and Deputy Mayors Hüseyin Yılmaz and Fırat Durak, were referred to the court with a request for their arrest. Four other suspects were sent to the judgeship with a request for judicial control measures, while three individuals were released after their statements were taken by the prosecutor.
According to a statement from the Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, evidence suggests that officials and personnel within the Adalar Municipality, including the mayor and deputy mayors, were involved in issuing illegal permits for protected areas. The investigation has so far identified 40 instances of alleged illegal activity involving 47 suspects.
Evidence Seized and Ongoing Proceedings
During searches conducted as part of the operation, significant evidence was seized. Notably, at the residence of M.Ö., a former Adalar Municipal Council Member and contractor, 258,000 US dollars and 13 gold bracelets were confiscated.
The suspects underwent health checks before being transported to the Istanbul Anadolu Courthouse for further legal proceedings. The request for arrest for 35 individuals underscores the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing commitment of authorities to address corruption within public institutions.
This case highlights a broader effort to combat illegal construction and bribery, particularly in environmentally and historically sensitive areas like the Adalar district, which is renowned for its natural beauty and archaeological significance. The outcome of the court’s decision on the arrest requests is keenly awaited as the investigation continues.
Source: https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/adalar-belediyesi-sorusturmasinda-35-supheli-hakkinda-tutuklama-talebi-949005.html
