29 people arrested in bribery investigation targeting Seferihisar Municipality

In the fourth wave of a bribery investigation conducted into the municipality in the Seferihisar district of İzmir, 29 of the 47 suspects taken into custody have been arrested. While 17 of the suspects were released under judicial control conditions, 1 person was released following prosecution procedures.

The investigation, coordinated by the Seferihisar Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and carried out by teams from the İzmir Provincial Police Department's Financial Crimes Bureau, involved simultaneous operations conducted on September 11. Of the 48 individuals for whom detention warrants were issued, 47 were apprehended during searches of their homes and workplaces.

It was stated that the investigation was launched following allegations that bribes were given and received, both in cash and via bank transfers, between municipal officials and contractors in exchange for irregularities related to construction and zoning processes. Furthermore, it was alleged that irregularities occurred in tenders and direct procurement processes within the municipality.

Those for whom detention warrants were issued included former Doğanbey town Mayor Halil Çadır, Seferihisar Municipal Council Member Hüseyin Kocaer, Buca Municipal Council Member Doğan Sarıkaya, municipal directors, engineers, architects, and other employees, as well as owners, managers, and employees of various companies. It was reported that the file also includes individuals considered to be leaders or members of an organized crime group.

Of the suspects referred to the courthouse following their police procedures, 36 were brought before a judge with a request for arrest, and 10 with a request for judicial control. Following judicial questioning, 29 people, including Seferihisar Municipal Council Member Hüseyin Kocaer and Buca Municipal Council Member Doğan Sarıkaya, were arrested.

Judicial control measures were applied to 17 people, including former Doğanbey town Mayor Halil Çadır.

News Source: 12punto