An investigation has been launched following the claim that the assets and bank accounts of individuals close to Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor who recently announced his candidacy for the presidential election, have been seized by the prosecutor’s office. This includes figures such as Necati Özkan, the campaign organizer for İmamoğlu’s election win, Fatih Keleş, the president of the IBB Sports Club, and Tuncay Yılmaz, the general manager of İmamoğlu’s family business.
İmamoğlu himself confirmed the seizure during a speech in Izmir last week, stating that “the prosecutor’s office had started a seizure operation” against individuals associated with him. He mentioned that bank accounts and immovable properties belonging to some of his colleagues, acquaintances, and even unknown individuals had been affected by the operation.
Details of the Seizure Unfolded by Cumhuriyet’s Barış Terkoğlu
In an article, Barış Terkoğlu from Cumhuriyet newspaper detailed the seizure operation, stating that Necati Özkan, who has been working with İmamoğlu since 2013, confirmed that real estate and bank accounts had been frozen, and vehicles and companies linked to the people in question were also affected. Özkan himself had received notifications from Beşiktaş Land Registry Office about the seizure, which he initially thought was a fraud attempt. However, after consulting with his lawyer, he confirmed that the operation was authorized by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Özkan also attempted to transfer money from his personal account to his wife’s account to check the status but was unable to do so due to the account freeze.
Özkan’s Background and Views
Necati Özkan, a seasoned professional communicator, has worked on major national and international campaigns and collaborated with government ministries, including projects for public institutions such as the Central Bank and Halk Bank. Despite his long-standing professional career, Özkan emphasized that he had no formal ties or responsibilities at İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB). He stated that he had specifically avoided participating in tenders related to IBB, as he did not view it as a source of profit.
Özkan also reflected on the personal attacks he had been facing over the past few months and suggested that he had been targeted as part of a broader political agenda. He expressed confidence that justice would eventually prevail, despite the mounting pressure.
Potential for Detention
Özkan also expressed concern over the possibility of detention due to the ongoing political attacks on his reputation. He acknowledged the difficulties of facing false accusations but maintained his faith in the legal system. However, he was wary that, like others before him, those facing such charges might suffer unjust consequences. He also made it clear that he was not a politician but a professional communicator, arguing that attempting to criminalize ordinary citizens working in their respective fields was unjust.
Political and Legal Reactions
The seizure of assets is a significant development amid İmamoğlu’s presidential candidacy campaign. As the opposition mayor gains momentum, the government’s stance toward his political circle has raised concerns. İmamoğlu and his supporters continue to assert that such actions are politically motivated, aiming to silence and discredit those aligned with him as he embarks on his bid for the presidency.
This ongoing investigation into seizures and possible detentions signals an intensifying political tension as the elections approach.