Testimony of Ali Nuhoğlu, who benefited from effective remorse in the IMM investigation, emerges: 'Commission was imposed on progress payments'

The detailed testimony given to the prosecutor by businessman Ali Nuhoğlu, who was released after benefiting from effective remorse following his arrest in the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and its subsidiaries, has been reflected in the public domain.

In his testimony, Nuhoğlu clarified the process regarding the purchase of two villas located in Sarıyer and the subsequent transfer of these villas to İmamoğlu İnşaat.

Stating, "First of all, I would like to provide information about the transfer process of the two villas located in Sarıyer, which I purchased on behalf of Güllüce Tarım A.Ş., to İmamoğlu İnşaat," Nuhoğlu indicated that he was called by Tuncay Yılmaz in 2021 with the knowledge of Ekrem İmamoğlu.

"TRANSFER WAS MADE DUE TO CASH FLOW PROBLEMS"

Explaining that Tuncay Yılmaz said, "We want to buy these villas for Ekrem İmamoğlu, but our cash situation is not suitable right now. We will buy the villas from you after we sell our own real estate," Nuhoğlu stated that he initially rejected this offer, but accepted it when he was told that his approximately 500 million TL receivable from İSKİ would be paid.

Stating that a partial payment was made to him during the process and that he covered the remaining part with his own resources to purchase the two villas on behalf of Güllüce Tarım A.Ş., Nuhoğlu said that all financial and accounting transactions were carried out by İmamoğlu İnşaat officials.

"A 48 MILLION TL CONTRACT WAS SIGNED, THEN EXPANDED"

Nuhoğlu explained that he transferred his company to İmamoğlu İnşaat in March 2024, and that a contract totaling 48 million TL was signed during this process, involving 15 million TL in cash and a 6+1 villa in Beylikdüzü. However, he stated that after the incident was reflected in the press, an "87 million TL current debt" clause was added with an additional contract made in February, and the scope was expanded to include the provision of two more villas if payment was not made.

"RENOVATION COSTS WERE ALSO MINE"

Noting that approximately 15 million TL in renovations were also carried out by him before the transfer of the villas, Nuhoğlu stated that he received three checks totaling 15 million TL in return for these expenses, and that the subcontractors who performed the renovations were also directed by Tuncay Yılmaz.

"COMMISSION WAS IMPOSED ON PROGRESS PAYMENTS"

One of the most striking parts of his testimony was the difficulties experienced regarding receivables from the IMM and its affiliated organizations. Stating that he has been involved in asphalt works for many years, Nuhoğlu expressed that there were serious problems with the progress payments made after the tenders he received from the IMM, İSKİ, and their subsidiaries.

"It was imposed on us that we had to pay a certain commission. Although I did not accept it at first, my company was in a difficult situation. I had to accept this offer," said Nuhoğlu, stating that he held these meetings with Fatih Keleş and that Keleş managed the payment traffic.

"MONEY WAS SENT IN DOLLARS AND IN SEALED ENVELOPES"

Stating that the commission payments were made to Fatih Keleş's brother, Zafer Keleş, in US dollars, Nuhoğlu said that the money sent was delivered by company employee Erkut Elitaş in sealed envelopes.

"My employees did not know what was in these envelopes, but they will testify if asked about their transport," said Nuhoğlu, adding that he made payments at least 5-6 times and that he did not know the purpose of the money but thought the system worked this way.

"THEY ENSURED THE CONTINUITY OF THE SYSTEM WITH THIS MONEY"

Finally, stating that the payments made progressed in parallel with the progress payments, Nuhoğlu used the expressions, "They established this system for the continuity of the order they created themselves. I also made these payments with the money I kept in my safe for insurance purposes."