Breaking News... Tender corruption operation in Istanbul: Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat detained

As part of an investigation into a criminal organization in Istanbul, detention warrants were issued for 47 suspects, including Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat.

The statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office indicated that the criminal organization, allegedly led by Aziz İhsan Aktaş, organized tenders by bribing mayors and senior municipal officials.

The statement explained that the investigation was launched after it was determined that the criminal organization ensured that tenders were awarded to their own companies, and reported that the suspects had been under surveillance for approximately 3 months.

The statement noted that detention warrants were issued for 10 suspects, including Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat and the president and members of the Beşiktaş Municipality's Beltaş İşletmecilik Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ, on charges of "membership in a criminal organization," "rigging a tender," and "unjust enrichment."

The statement also reported that detention warrants were issued for 12 municipal officials, including Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer—who was previously arrested and removed from office on charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organization"—for the crimes of "rigging a tender," "accepting bribes," and "violation of Law No. 3628 on Declaration of Assets and Anti-Corruption" and "unjust enrichment," and included the following remarks:

"From the witnesses heard, evidence collected, and expert reports obtained, it has been determined that during the preparation process of the tenders under investigation by Esenyurt Municipality, an individual considered to be an employee of the contractor firm and also a member of the criminal organization met with Esenyurt Municipality officials, who were the tender authorities, at the municipal building, interfered with the approximate cost and specifications, and accessed documents that were supposed to remain confidential, engaging in acts of rigging aimed at concluding the tender as they desired."

The statement further noted that detention warrants were issued for Aziz İhsan Aktaş and 24 suspects operating within the organization on charges of "establishing and managing a criminal organization," "membership in a criminal organization," "bribery," "rigging a tender," "rigging the performance of an act," "violation of the Tax Procedure Law," and "laundering assets," bringing the total number of individuals subject to simultaneous arrest and detention warrants to 47.

DETAINED IN BALIKESİR

Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat was detained in Balıkesir as part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the criminal organization.

A search was conducted at Akpolat's office in the municipal building following his detention on charges of "membership in a criminal organization," "rigging a tender," and "unjust enrichment."

News Source: AA