Pro-government media's 'bales of cash' claim collapses: They used archive footage!

In an operation targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, 34 people, including Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor Hakan Bahçetepe and former CHP MP Aykut Erdoğdu, were detained.

During the operation, reports were published in the media claiming that a large amount of cash had been found in the municipal building.

CHP leader Özgür Özel reacted sharply to these claims, stating, "If even one TL was found in the safe, I will quit politics." He pointed out that media outlets close to the government were creating a false perception by using archive footage from a different operation.

In a statement made by the Gaziosmanpaşa Municipality, it was stated that no criminal evidence was found during the search and that this situation was reflected in the search report.

The municipality's statement emphasized that the images featured in the media belonged to another operation and that these claims were spread intentionally. Furthermore, it was stated that such news reports aimed to influence the judicial process and discredit the mayor.

The municipality announced that it would take legal action against those responsible for these baseless claims and stated that there would be no disruption to its services.

PUBLIC STATEMENT

On May 31, 2025, a detention order was issued for our Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor, Mr. Hakan Bahçetepe; in accordance with the decision, a search was carried out by law enforcement officers in the mayor's office.

No criminal evidence was found during the search… pic.twitter.com/n8Slowk914

— Hakan Bahçetepe (@BahcetepeHakan) June 1, 2025

News Source: 12punto