Türkiye launches new corruption probe involving Izmit mayor

Turkish authorities have launched a new anti-corruption investigation, issuing detention warrants for 31 people, including Izmit Mayor Fatma Kaplan Hürriyet and her husband, Murat Hürriyet.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation focuses on alleged irregularities in municipal tenders, bribery, and collusion in public procurement processes, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

According to investigators, some companies that were awarded municipal contracts had links to officials within the municipality. Authorities also allege that certain contractors were required to make unlawful payments disguised as “commissions.”

The investigation further claims that Murat Hürriyet was involved in tender procedures, staff recruitment, and personnel appointments.

Police conducted simultaneous searches across five provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Kırıkkale. Among those targeted are municipal company executives, public officials, and representatives of companies that participated in tender processes.

Authorities are continuing the investigation, examining seized digital materials and questioning suspects.

The case comes amid a series of corruption-related investigations involving opposition-controlled municipalities in Türkiye. Earlier, an arrest warrant was issued for Çankaya Mayor Hüseyin Can Güner, while Adalar Municipality Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat was arrested as part of a separate probe.

By Vugar Khalilov