Erdal Beşikçioğlu’s 207-page statement: How he responded to bribery and tender accusations

In his police statement taken as part of the investigation conducted by the Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into Etimesgut Municipality, Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu addressed numerous topics ranging from financial movements to tender processes, and from zoning allegations to the filming of "Behzat Ç."

Beşikçioğlu faced accusations of bribery, extortion, tender rigging, and corruption in the performance of duties. Beşikçioğlu, who provided his statement in response to a 207-page set of questions, denied all allegations and stated that he did not wish to benefit from effective remorse provisions.

The file included questions based on Court of Accounts (Sayıştay) reports, MASAK records, bank transactions, tender and payment processes at the municipality, and witness testimonies. Beşikçioğlu argued that he was only aware of many of the transactions in the municipality after audits and reports were completed.

FINANCIAL MOVEMENTS AND DEBT EXPLANATION

According to the statement transcript, Beşikçioğlu declared his monthly income as 2 million 500 thousand liras. He stated that his income consisted of his mayoral salary, ticket sales from the Tatbikat Sahnesi, acting activities, and royalty payments.

The financial review in the investigation file alleged that there was no such regular income flow in his bank accounts. It was noted that the money coming into Beşikçioğlu's accounts from external sources was approximately 6.1 million liras in 2024 and 9.4 million liras in 2025.

Beşikçioğlu also responded to questions regarding his assets. He stated that he owns hazelnut orchards in Ünye, houses in Çeşme, Urla, İzmir, Istanbul, and Ankara, a plot of land with shared ownership in Ayvalık, two motorcycles, and an Audi A6 brand car. He explained his assets through his savings over the years and inheritance.

One of the prominent topics in the file was the money transfers from Gültekin Bayındır, whom he said had been his financial advisor for a long time, and Bayındır's son, Batuhan Bayındır. Investigations alleged that a total of 5 million 445 thousand liras was transferred from Gültekin Bayındır in 13 transactions, and over 2 million liras was transferred from Bayındır's son in 2026.

Beşikçioğlu argued that these money movements were related to the family's commercial affairs and media activities. The appointment of financial advisor Gültekin Bayındır as Deputy Mayor of Etimesgut later on was also questioned as part of the investigation.

It also entered the file that a total of 975 thousand liras was sent to Beşikçioğlu's account in two transactions in December 2024 from a company belonging to Etimesgut Deputy Mayor Mutlu Kerimoğlu. Beşikçioğlu said that while he was abroad, his credit card limit was insufficient for a hotel payment, so he borrowed money from Kerimoğlu and repaid it upon returning to Turkey.

Beşikçioğlu acknowledged that the Private Secretary, Internal Audit, and Inspection units in the municipality reported directly to him and that he had general supervisory responsibility. However, he stated that he did not have direct authority or duty in the preparation of tender files, the selection of companies, or payment processes.

In a personnel statement in the investigation file, it was alleged that the garbage collection and vehicle rental tender was prepared in a way that a specific company would win, and that he was told that assignments were made at the request of Beşikçioğlu and certain municipal managers. Beşikçioğlu did not accept these accounts.

The file also included an allegation that a 250 million lira bribery agreement was made in exchange for zoning changes in a construction project. In witness testimonies, it was alleged that 70 million liras were discussed for residential areas and 180 million liras for commercial areas, and that Beşikçioğlu's verbal approval was obtained following meetings with municipal managers.

Beşikçioğlu denied the accusation, stating that he was not aware of any such agreement or request for money. He was also asked about allegations that money was requested from some contractors for the purchase of buses for the municipality and that foreign currency was given to Ozan Yiğit in exchange for leasing municipal parking lots. Beşikçioğlu argued that these statements were untrue.

As part of the investigation, allegations were also raised that facilities and resources belonging to Etimesgut Municipality were used in the filming and promotional activities of the "Behzat Ç." series, in which Beşikçioğlu starred as an actor. Beşikçioğlu did not deny that municipal resources were used during filming; however, he said that the production company made the necessary payments and that the municipality did not suffer any loss.

Beşikçioğlu also confirmed that he moved his residence to the home of Etimesgut Municipal Council Member Ozan Yiğit in order to be eligible to run for mayor. He stated that he knew Yiğit through Mutlu Kerimoğlu and that there was no commercial relationship between them.

It was reported that Beşikçioğlu, who was referred to the courthouse following his police statement, would undergo questioning by the prosecutor's office. While the accusations and witness testimonies in the investigation file are not based on a finalized judicial decision, Beşikçioğlu denies all the allegations.