Bribery and corruption operations continue at Manavgat Municipality

A new development has occurred in the investigation into "bribery," "embezzlement," and "rigging of tenders" concerning the term of former Mayor Şükrü Sözen in the Manavgat district of Antalya. Following the instructions of the Manavgat Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, teams from the Provincial Gendarmerie Command's Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch conducted simultaneous operations in 6 provinces.

24 people, including former Manavgat Deputy Mayor B.Ö., were detained in the operation.

DETENTION ORDERS ISSUED FOR 27 PEOPLE

Detention orders were issued for a total of 27 people as part of the investigation. Gendarmerie teams are continuing their efforts to apprehend 3 suspects who could not be found at their addresses.

It was learned that those detained include owners of certain construction companies and businesspeople who were determined to have received tenders from the municipality.

FORMER MAYOR ŞÜKRÜ SÖZEN AND HIS BROTHER ARE IN CUSTODY

Former Manavgat Mayor Şükrü Sözen and his brother Fatih Sözen, who are at the center of the investigation, were arrested on September 11 on charges of "bribery," "embezzlement," and "rigging of tenders." Within the scope of the same file, 5 more people were arrested and sent to prison.

Authorities stated that the new wave of detentions was carried out as part of the expansion of the ongoing investigation.

ANOTHER FILE REGARDING THE MUNICIPALITY IS ALSO ONGOING

In another file where corruption allegations regarding Manavgat Municipality are being investigated, an indictment prepared against 41 defendants, including former mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara, has been accepted by the court.

It was learned that 11 people are currently in custody in this case, and the trial is set to begin in the coming days at the Antalya High Criminal Court.

News Source: 12punto