Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu Arrested in Corruption Probe

İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been arrested as part of a corruption investigation into the Istanbul Municipality (İBB). Prosecutors are levying serious financial and terrorism-related charges against him and other officials.

Key Allegations & Charges

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has charged İmamoğlu and several municipal officials with:

• Forming and leading a criminal organization

• Bribery & bid rigging

• Unlawful acquisition of personal data

• Aiding a terrorist organization (alleged ties to PKK/KCK)

Investigation Details

• 18 individuals were arrested, including İBB Media Inc. Chairman Murat Ongun

• 9 suspects released, while İmamoğlu and others remain in custody

• Prosecutors cite financial records, procurement audits, and witness testimonies

• Allegations trace back to an August 8, 2024, case with the full probe beginning on October 18, 2024

Authorities claim İmamoğlu appointed close associates from his tenure as Beylikdüzü mayor to key municipal positions, leading to:

• Fraudulent procurement processes & bid rigging

• Kickback schemes involving İBB subsidiaries like Medya A.Ş. and Kültür A.Ş.

• Alleged personal financial gain from undisclosed business partnerships

Additionally, prosecutors allege that İmamoğlu and senior officials had sustained contact with Azad Barış, purportedly a high-ranking PKK/KCK figure, raising claims of terrorist infiltration within the municipality.

Political Ramifications & Response

İmamoğlu, a leading opposition figure and potential presidential candidate, denies all allegations, labeling the probe "a politically motivated attack".

Legal analysts warn of major political consequences, as İmamoğlu and co-defendants, including:

• Istanbul Deputy Secretary-General Mahir Polat

• Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan

• Reform Institute Director Mehmet Ali Çalışkan

…await a court ruling on their detention.