Former DHMI executive Mehmet Cemil Acar, found with 26 kilograms of gold bullion in his home, released

The Ankara 89th Criminal Court of First Instance has issued a release order for Mehmet Cemil Acar, a former department head at the State Airports Authority (DHMI). It was stated that the court reached this decision by taking into account the time Acar has spent in detention.

During a previous search of the home of Acar, who is being tried on charges of "bribery" and "corruption," 26 kilograms of gold bullion, 1 million 320 thousand dollars, and 121 thousand Euros were seized from a safe.

According to information reflected in the case file, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure had reported that Acar "acquired assets disproportionate to his income, concealed some of his assets, and had suspicious bank transactions."

It was reported that Acar, who worked at the DHMI General Directorate for approximately 26 years and retired in November 2024, claimed his monthly income was 3 million TL. It was also entered into the case file that Acar had purchased a lentil factory in Batman approximately three months before his retirement and that there were 12 real estate properties registered in his name.

In the previous hearing of the case, Acar provided his defense via SEGBIS and made statements regarding the source of his assets. Witness Behice Nilgün Erdem argued that the real estate she transferred to Acar free of charge was in exchange for architectural and consultancy services provided in the past.

Acar's nephew, Ahmet Acar, stated that he had given Acar 300 thousand dollars and 1 kilogram of gold as part of an agreement to build a hotel on inherited land in Batman.

In the second hearing of the case, the court had decided to continue Acar's detention and adjourned the hearing to November 24. With the latest decision, Acar's release has been ordered.