The number of detentions in corruption and terrorism investigations targeting Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has risen to 88, with Ertan Yildiz, head of the IMM Council’s Subsidiaries and Affiliated Institutions Commission, among those detained, authorities said on Friday.
The probe, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, involves IMM Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 99 other suspects facing charges that include “leading a criminal organization,” “membership in a criminal organization,” “bribery,” “aggravated fraud,” “unlawful acquisition of personal data,” and “rigging public tenders.”
Police apprehended Yildiz, who had been on the run, at a location where he was hiding. Authorities allege Yildiz and another suspect, Suleyman Atik, threatened the owners of a prominent shopping mall, demanding €5 million under the pretext of preventing a municipal council decision that could label the mall as earthquake-prone. When the payment was not made, the municipality imposed a 197 million lira fine on the mall, according to investigators. A court later suspended the fine, with allegations surfacing that the penalty was unlawfully imposed after the bribe was not paid.
Yildiz reportedly left his mobile phone in his wife’s bag to create the illusion he was at home before fleeing. His capture brought the total number of detainees to 88, with 13 suspects still at large and seven believed to be abroad.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 54 individuals responsible for provocative social media posts had been apprehended, while 53 others faced legal action during protests, which also resulted in 16 police officers being injured.
In response to ongoing tensions, Istanbul Governor’s Office announced that judicial and administrative actions would be initiated against individuals accused of disrupting municipal services, using public resources for political propaganda, and coercing people to participate in protests.
Authorities in Ankara and Izmir imposed five-day bans on demonstrations and public gatherings to maintain public order and prevent potential provocations.
Imamoglu, who was detained at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, faces four possible outcomes, according to legal experts:
- He could be released and resume his duties as mayor.
- He could be released but removed from office by the Interior Ministry due to the terrorism allegations, with a government-appointed trustee taking over.
- He could be arrested on charges of aiding a terrorist organization, leading to a trustee appointment.
- If arrested for organized crime allegations, the IMM Council would elect a new mayor, as seen previously in Beşiktaş Municipality.
Under Turkish law, Imamoglu must appear before a judge by 6:30 a.m. on March 23 at the latest.
