Bribery investigation in Antalya reaches the Police Department: House for the Police Chief, apartment for his daughter, vehicle for the director!

As part of the bribery investigation conducted by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, businesspeople alleged that favors were provided in municipal projects through Fazlı Ateş, that progress payments were made on time, and that penalties were waived. One businessperson stated that they made a total payment of 6 million 105 thousand TL during this process.

Documents indicate that 1 million 871 thousand TL was requested on October 11, 2024, and 2 million TL on February 10, 2025, on the grounds that Provincial Police Chief İlker Arslan was in need of funds.

MEETINGS AT HOME AND RAMADAN GATHERINGS

According to the testimonies, Fazlı Ateş frequently visited İlker Arslan's home and even undertook the renovation work for the house. It was alleged that during the month of Ramadan, Arslan, Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek, and Ateş met at the police chief's home to play okey.

APARTMENT FOR HIS DAUGHTER, VEHICLE FOR THE DIRECTOR

While Melek Arslan stated that they bought a 1+1 apartment in Döşemealtı in the name of their daughter, Dilruba Hediye Arslan, documents showed that the payments were made under the direction of Fazlı Ateş.

Furthermore, a 2022 model Ford Kuga vehicle registered to İlker Arslan was found. According to the MASAK report, it was revealed that the 997 thousand TL customs clearance fee for the vehicle was paid directly by Fazlı Ateş.

SUSPICIOUS TRANSFERS IN THE MASAK REPORT

The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) determined that a cash transfer of 250 thousand TL was made from Ateş's accounts to Arslan, and that an additional 997 thousand TL was paid with the description "customs clearance service fee belonging to İlker Arslan."

"IT WAS A DEBT, NOT A BRIBE"

Fazlı Ateş, the key figure in the investigation, denied the accusations, claiming that he was a subcontractor for projects he received from the municipality and that he borrowed money from businesspeople. Ateş stated that he and İlker Arslan have been friends for 30 years and that he had shown his wife, Melek Arslan, as insured at his own company for a short time.

"I RECEIVED A SALARY"

Melek Arslan argued that she worked at Fazlı Ateş's company for 7-8 months and that the payments in her bank accounts were in exchange for her salary. She denied the accusations, stating that she was unaware of the money requests directed at her husband.

"I SOLD MY LAND"

İlker Arslan claimed that neither he nor his wife accepted bribes. He confirmed the 250 thousand TL transfer in the MASAK report but said it was part of an agreement to sell his land in Ankara to Fazlı Ateş for 5 million TL.

Arslan claimed that the down payment for the house bought for his daughter and the customs fee for his vehicle were also covered as part of the repayment of the debt arising from this sale. Additionally, stating that his financial situation was poor and that he had credit and card debts, he argued that "someone who takes bribes could not be in so much debt."

CONTRADICTORY STATEMENTS

Remarkable contradictions emerged in the testimonies. While Arslan said he sold his land for 5 million TL, Ateş first mentioned the figure of 2 million, then 5 million. No such sale was found in the land registry records.

News Source: 12punto