They demanded money from Mehmet Akif Ersoy with the promise of release: 4 suspects arrested

Legal proceedings were initiated against suspects Attorney Erel Muallaoğlu, Yavuz Küçükyeşil, Erkan Uzun, and Hacı Eşiyok under Article 158/2 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) for the crime of "fraud by claiming to have influence over public officials to get a job done." 

A remarkable incident was uncovered during an investigation conducted by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding bribery. It was determined that journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who is currently imprisoned as part of a separate investigation file, was visited at the penal institution on August 20, 2026, by Attorney Erel Muallaoğlu.

During the meeting in question, it was determined that Muallaoğlu stated he could ensure Ersoy's release and demanded a large sum of money in return. Following this, Mehmet Akif Ersoy, in his capacity as the complainant, applied to the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office through his lawyer.

FIRST TELEPHONE CONTACT RECORDED

Following the application, the investigation prosecutor's office took action. The phone number left by Muallaoğlu for communication during the prison visit was called from the public prosecutor's office with the consent and knowledge of the complainant's attorney.

The audio and video of the conversation, which was attended by the investigation prosecutor, the clerk, and the assigned law enforcement personnel, were recorded and included in the investigation file.

As the investigation continued, it was determined that a total of three phone calls were made between the complainant's lawyer and the suspect Erel Muallaoğlu.

MEETING ARRANGED TO RECORD THE MONEY DEMAND

In the conversations held, it was determined that Muallaoğlu acted as an intermediary to bring together the complainant's lawyer and the person or persons who claimed they could ensure Mehmet Akif Ersoy's release.

In this context, a meeting was planned between the parties. The prosecutor's office issued the necessary instructions for the implementation of protective measures regulated under Articles 135 to 140 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CMK) in order to uncover the suspects and obtain evidence.

A technical device capable of recording audio and video was placed on the complainant's lawyer within the framework of the necessary procedures and permissions.

OPERATION WITH TECHNICAL SURVEILLANCE BY THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

Erel Muallaoğlu, along with Yavuz Küçükyeşil, Erkan Uzun, and Hacı Eşiyok, attended the meeting held on August 28, 2026. The meeting was monitored using technical methods from start to finish.

It was learned that the technical surveillance confirmed that a large sum of money was demanded in exchange for ensuring Mehmet Akif Ersoy's release from prison and securing an acquittal in the case he is being tried for. Following the conclusion of the meeting, the button was pressed for the operation.

4 SUSPECTS CAUGHT RED-HANDED

Erel Muallaoğlu, Yavuz Küçükyeşil, Erkan Uzun, and Hacı Eşiyok were caught and detained immediately after the meeting. It was learned that the suspects' phones and other digital materials, as well as their connections, are being examined as part of the investigation.

According to information obtained from Chief Public Prosecutor's Office sources, the investigation is focusing on the fact that the suspects used a fraud method by promising people in prison that they could secure their release and acquittal in exchange for money.