Allegations of interference in judicial processes in Istanbul: 8 arrests, 5 judges and prosecutors suspended

New developments have emerged in the investigation into allegations that certain court cases and investigation processes in Istanbul were interfered with in exchange for financial gain. Within the scope of the file maintained by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, 8 suspects have been arrested, while 5 judges and public prosecutors whose names were mentioned in the investigation have been suspended from duty.

It was stated that the investigation was launched regarding allegations that there was organized interference in certain cases and investigations heard in various courthouses in Istanbul between 2022 and 2024. The file is being examined under the charges of "accepting bribes," "giving bribes," "acting as an intermediary for bribery," and "establishing, managing, and being a member of a criminal organization."

According to the allegations, some individuals, including business people, politicians, and lawyers, attempted to influence judicial processes unlawfully through judicial members and courthouse staff with whom they were in contact. It was learned that new evidence and findings regarding these connections are being evaluated in the investigation.

JUDGE B.K. ARRESTED

Within the scope of the investigation, former Istanbul 4th Enforcement Court Judge B.K. was arrested on October 3 by the duty magistrate's office on charges of "bribery" following his suspension from duty. Arrest warrants were issued for 2 judicial members who are fugitives abroad on charges of "aiding an organization" and "acting as an intermediary for bribery."

It was noted that the judicial members named in the file were reported to the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK), and following the council's evaluations, 5 judges and public prosecutors were suspended from duty. Additionally, it was reported that an investigation has been launched into a retired public prosecutor and a judge who resigned from their position.

It was learned that the investigation also examines allegations regarding a case in which IYI Party Kocaeli Deputy Lütfü Türkkan was a party, which was heard at the Istanbul 4th Enforcement Court. It was alleged that an attempt was made to conclude the case in favor of Türkkan through M.Ş., who is considered to be a criminal organization leader, and Y.A., who is a fugitive abroad.

In this process, the allegation that financial gain was provided to Judge B.K., who presided over the case and was later arrested, is also being investigated in the file. It was claimed that millions of liras in bribes were given to B.K., with a portion of this money sent to his bank account and the remainder paid to him and his brother. It was stated that the file regarding Türkkan was separated and sent to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Within the scope of the investigation, action was also taken against a lawyer. It was reported that lawyer B.T., who allegedly shared photos from a public prosecutor's office and took on files belonging to certain suspects with promises such as "we will handle it," was arrested in line with the evidence obtained.

It was stated that the investigation conducted by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is continuing with the aim of uncovering all aspects of the allegations that judicial decisions were attempted to be influenced in exchange for financial gain and that there was organized action for this purpose.