Investigation Launched into Abduction of IMM Culture Inc. Deputy General Manager Erhan Karaal
Istanbul, June 18, 2026 – An investigation has been launched into the alleged abduction of Erhan Karaal, Deputy General Manager of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Culture Inc., by unidentified individuals. Footage of the vehicle used in the alleged abduction has emerged, and two individuals have been detained in connection with the incident.
The Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office released a written statement confirming the incident: “Upon receiving information on June 17, 2026, that Erhan Karaal, Deputy General Manager of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture Inc., was abducted by unidentified individuals in the Maltepe district of our city, necessary instructions were given to law enforcement to locate the victim and apprehend the suspects. The investigation is continuing meticulously.”
Two Suspects Detained
As part of the ongoing investigation, two individuals have been taken into custody. CNN Türk reporter Merve Tokaz provided further details, stating that Karaal was abducted in front of his home yesterday. “They came in a car and abducted him. His wife and children witnessed the incident. He has not been heard from for hours,” Tokaz reported.
Allegations of Black Bag and Copied License Plates
According to allegations, a black bag was placed over Erhan Karaal’s head during the abduction. CNN Türk Istanbul News Coordinator Nihat Uludağ revealed a significant detail: the three individuals who abducted Karaal reportedly copied the license plate of a vehicle in the street and had been following him for some time. Uludağ stated that security forces are continuing their work and examining surveillance cameras. Karaal has been missing for 14-15 hours.
Abduction Caught on Camera
New footage has emerged showing the moment Erhan Karaal was abducted. The images show a vehicle stopping in front of Karaal’s home, and then speeding away after he was forced inside. The footage reportedly shows Karaal being beaten before being put into the vehicle. His wife, Ayşe Toprak Karaal, described the events, stating, “Two people grabbed my husband, hit him on the head, and threw him into the car. My eldest daughter ran downstairs at that moment.”
Wife’s Account of the Incident
Ayşe Toprak Karaal, Erhan Karaal’s wife, spoke about the incident, stating that they had been waiting at the Maltepe Cumhuriyet Police Station since last night. She recounted, “Yesterday, after my husband came home from work, we had dinner. Then we were going to go for a walk to the beach. My husband went outside first with my youngest daughter. My daughter was a little ahead. At that moment, two people grabbed my husband, hit him on the head, and threw him into the car. Our neighbors started shouting. A friend of mine was also arriving at the scene. He told me, ‘I identified the vehicle.’ I went to the window. From the window, I saw my husband being hit on the head and thrown into the car. My eldest daughter also ran downstairs at that moment. As the car sped away, police teams arrived at the scene shortly after. My friend also ran after the car but couldn’t catch up. We have been living in the same neighborhood for 17 years. Our neighbors also came down immediately, but we couldn’t understand what was happening. This is the first time we have experienced such an incident in our lives. I clearly saw 4 people, but I couldn’t tell from above if there were 5.”
Phone Signal Detected in an Empty Field in Kartal
Karaal stated that her husband’s phone signal was detected after some time. “We have the ‘Find My iPhone’ app. His phone had been off since yesterday. My daughter kept checking the phones. At one point, she cried and said, ‘Mom, my dad’s phone is on.’ We were very happy and immediately informed the police. The police went to the area. The phone was seen signaling in an empty field in Kartal, but it has not been found yet. I have not received any information that it has been found. We have no enemies. We have lived in the same neighborhood for years. We have never had any problems with anyone. My husband is an extremely gentle and emotional person. He wouldn’t even hurt an ant. We are all in shock by this incident. We have not received any threats before. I have two daughters; they go to school and ride bicycles on the beach. If there had been any threat, my husband would have definitely asked us to take precautions. However, there were no warnings or threats.”
Police Working Day and Night
Karaal also shared details about the incident, saying, “My friend took the license plate of the vehicle and reported its features to the police. Police teams found the vehicle shortly after. However, it was reported that the vehicle had not been used for three days and likely had cloned license plates. This vehicle was not one we regularly saw in our street. Therefore, I believe my husband was being followed and that the incident was a planned operation. They hit my husband on the shoulder and told him to ‘bow your head.’ Then they forcefully threw him into the car. Nothing was put over his head. From what I saw, they hit him on the head and directly put him in the car. My friend who witnessed the incident also clearly saw two people and shared their descriptions with the police. My husband has not been heard from since 9:00 PM yesterday. I call on all authorities. No person in the Republic of Turkey should be abducted in this manner in front of their family, children, and neighbors. I want my husband to be found as soon as possible. I will wait at the police station until he is found. Our police officers are working day and night; they are all continuing their searches. I am waiting for good news from them. I don’t know why such a thing happened. I spoke with his former and current colleagues and managers. Their common opinion is that Erhan is an honest and principled person. They say he would never sign anything against the interests of the institution. I have been married to my husband for 20 years. I have never heard a bad word from him. He is extremely respectful to his children, friends, and neighbors. We owe no one anything, and we have no problems. My husband does not gamble, does not drink alcohol, and does not smoke. He is a family-oriented person who goes from work to home and home to work. We are a family living our own lives.”
Source: Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Hurriyet.com.tr
