Turkish businessman Ali Nuhoglu was apprehended in Istanbul on Wednesday with 40 million Turkish lira ($1.05 million) in cash, as part of a sweeping corruption probe involving Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 99 others, prosecutors said.
The investigation covers a range of allegations, including leading and participating in a criminal organization, bribery, extortion, aggravated fraud, unlawful acquisition of personal data, and bid-rigging in public tenders, according to a statement from the prosecutor’s office.
Authorities said Nuhoglu, previously known for the controversial sale of three luxury villas to Imamoglu at below-market prices, was found with millions in cash at his residence.
In addition to corruption charges, Imamoglu, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Deputy Secretary-General Mahir Polat, and Sisli District Mayor Resul Emrah Sahan face accusations of aiding the PKK/KCK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
Fugitive suspect fled abroad, left phone at home
Investigators revealed that Emrah Bagdatli, a suspect linked to the probe and an alleged advisor to IBB Media Inc. Chairman Murat Ongun, fled Turkey two weeks ago.
Bagdatli allegedly secured over 60 tenders through IBB Media Inc. from 2022 to 2024, along with multiple contracts from municipal companies KIPTAS and Kultur AS. Authorities said he established numerous advertising agencies under the names of nearly 35 employees, many of which shared addresses and coordinated bids for the same tenders.
Police said Bagdatli attempted to mislead them by purchasing a plane ticket to Houston, Texas, on March 6. However, he abandoned his phone at home and crossed the Ipsala Border Gate into Greece by car on March 5 at 6:38 p.m. local time.
87 suspects detained
As part of the broader investigation, authorities have detained 87 suspects, including four of seven accused of aiding the PKK/KCK. Three remain at large.
In the organized crime case, 83 suspects have been taken into custody, while 10 others, including seven believed to have fled abroad, remain fugitives.
