Behind the Arrests: Why 49 Istanbul Officials Were Detained in Turkey’s Corruption Crackdown
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced a nationwide operation—coordinated among prosecutors, intelligence, security, and anti-smuggling units—to dismantle financial and organizational networks supporting corruption and terror within public institutions.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 49 individuals as part of a widening anti-corruption investigation targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), marking the fourth wave in an ongoing probe that has gripped the nation and heightened political tensions.
According to TurkPress, The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday that the latest arrests are tied to a range of serious charges, including “forming and leading a criminal organization,” “bribery,” “embezzlement,” “manipulation of public tenders,” and the “unlawful acquisition of personal data.”
Among those facing detention are close aides of detained İBB Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, including his Chief of Security Mustafa Akın and Chief of Staff Kadriye Kasapoğlu.
According to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the nationwide operation — coordinated between prosecutors, intelligence agencies, the General Security Directorate, and anti-smuggling units — is part of Ankara’s intensified campaign to dismantle financial and organizational arms of corruption and terror support networks within public institutions.
Yerlikaya confirmed that “numerous digital materials, official documents, and unlicensed weapons” were seized during the operations. “Our efforts to safeguard the security and peace of our citizens will continue unabated,” he stated.
From Arrest to Political Earthquake
The arrests are the latest fallout from the March 19 detention of İmamoğlu, a rising political star widely viewed as the main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. TurkPress have dubbed his arrest a "political earthquake," sparking fierce debate over whether the sweeping probe is a legitimate anti-corruption effort or a strategic move to sideline a formidable opposition candidate.
According to TurkPress, an earlier trigger for the investigation was a leaked video showing large sums of cash being counted inside an İBB building. This footage, reportedly linked to Ekrem İmamoğlu’s inner circle, was circulated by a former CHP youth leader and fueled allegations of illicit financial dealings.
Investigators allege that funds shown in the video stemmed from kickbacks and illegal commissions tied to rigged tenders involving companies connected to the municipality. As the case expanded, several high-ranking İBB officials were detained, including İmamoğlu's campaign director Nacati Özkan and Istanbul Culture Director Murat Abbas.
Moreover, multiple former mayors, municipal contractors, and senior civil servants have reportedly turned state witnesses, providing testimony implicating İmamoğlu in a scheme of institutionalized bribery and political patronage.
Terror Links and Urban Pact
TurkPress further explained that The case has also taken a national security dimension. Prosecutors have leveled additional accusations linking İmamoğlu to elements within the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Central to these claims is the so-called “Urban Pact” — an electoral coordination arrangement between the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party during recent municipal elections.
Authorities claim this pact enabled the appointment of individuals with alleged PKK ties to influential roles within İBB. Evidence reportedly includes names of senior municipal staff found in the database of the DEM Party.
Economic Shock and Political Repercussions
The impact of the arrests is already being felt beyond the political arena. Following İmamoğlu’s detention, the Turkish lira plunged by over 11% against the dollar, prompting the central bank to inject over $8 billion into the markets. Financial analysts warn that continued instability could erode investor confidence and worsen Turkey’s economic outlook.
European Response: Concern Without Confrontation
International reactions have been cautious. While the European Commission described the developments as “deeply concerning,” there has been no direct condemnation. The U.S. State Department issued a similarly neutral statement, emphasizing the importance of human rights while refraining from intervening in Turkey’s domestic affairs.
