Kuşadası Municipality Corruption Probe: Mayor Among Five Arrested
ISTANBUL, March 17 – Five suspects, including Kuşadası Mayor Ömer Günel, have been arrested and sent to prison as part of a corruption investigation into ‘bribery’ and ‘malfeasance’ at Kuşadası Municipality. One suspect was released under judicial control. The arrests followed simultaneous operations conducted in Aydın, İzmir, and Antalya.
Investigation Details and Arrests
The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation into alleged ‘bribery’ and ‘malfeasance’ connected to Kuşadası Municipality. The probe gathered evidence from witness statements, suspect testimonies, documents, HTS records, and financial transaction analyses from a report prepared by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK). These findings collectively indicated sufficient suspicion that the alleged crimes had been committed.
As a result of these evaluations, six suspects were identified and subsequently detained in coordinated operations across Aydın, İzmir, and Antalya. Among those detained were Kuşadası Mayor Ömer Günel, Director of Zoning and Urban Planning Ahmet Taşkan, and Director of Building Control Mustafa Burak Gündeş.
Court Proceedings and Outcomes
Following their processing at the police department, the suspects were transferred to the courthouse. The court subsequently ordered the arrest of five individuals: Kuşadası Mayor Ömer Günel, Building Control Director Mustafa Burak Gündeş, Ferdi Zenginoğlu, Hüseyin Kabasakal, and Meral Celep. They have all been sent to prison.
Ahmet Taşkan, the Director of Zoning and Urban Planning, was released under judicial control measures.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and testimonies related to the alleged corruption within the municipality.
Source: DHA
