Turkish authorities have seized “Imamoglu İnsaat”, a construction company linked to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, as part of a widening investigation into alleged corruption and terrorism ties within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), officials said on Wednesday.
The move, based on findings from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), comes as Imamoglu and numerous others face detention in connection with the probe.
According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, MASAK reports revealed that “Imamoglu İnsaat” acquired 117 properties between December 2020 and December 2023. The properties, including shops, residences, and land, raised questions about the source of the company’s funds.
“On 19/03/2025, in accordance with MASAK reports obtained within the scope of the investigation, “Imamoglu İnsaat”, of which suspect Ekrem İmamoğlu is a partner, was seized by a decision of the magistrate court upon the request of our Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office,” the prosecutor’s office stated.
The investigation has also led to the detention of 106 individuals, including district mayors, on allegations of corruption and terrorism. Authorities said Imamoglu would provide two separate testimonies to financial crimes and anti-terrorism units.
Additionally, authorities have seized the assets of three other individuals, Murat Kapki, Ahmet Koksal, and Huseyin Koksal, in connection with the same investigation.
The probe has also focused on alleged links between Imamoglu and Azad Barıs, a former deputy co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), accused of facilitating communication with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 37 people had been detained for making provocative social media posts related to the IBB investigation.
The ongoing investigation has drawn political attention, with AK Party officials stating they are monitoring the process.
Ekrem Imamoglu, from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), achieved a significant political victory by twice winning the Istanbul mayoral election in 2019, defeating the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
This victory was seen as a major blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AKP, as Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and economic hub.
Imamoglu has since been viewed as a potential challenger to Erdoğan in future presidential elections, making him a key figure in the opposition.
