Istanbul court to rule Monday in 200-defendant organized crime case
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
An Istanbul heavy penal court is scheduled to announce its verdict on Monday in the trial of 200 defendants, including seven mayors, accused of involvement in an organized crime network. The court will hear final statements from defendants before delivering the ruling. The case stems from an investigation that began in January 2025.
Key Facts
- The Istanbul 1st Heavy Penal Court will hold its 60th hearing on Monday at the hall opposite Marmara Closed Penal Institution.
- The 579-page indictment names Beşiktaş Municipality, Avcılar Municipality, Esenyurt Municipality, Istanbul ASFALT, and IETT as damaged parties, with 19 victims and 200 defendants.
- Prosecutors seek 187 to 450 years in prison for defendant Aziz İhsan Aktaş on charges including forming a criminal organization, bid rigging, bribery, and money laundering.
- Suspended Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara faces 5 to 15 years for bid rigging and bribery, while suspended Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer faces 3 to 9 years for bid rigging and forgery.
- Suspended mayors Oya Tekin, Kadir Aydar, Zeydan Karalar, and reinstated Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere each face 4 to 12 years for bribery.
Verdict Hearing
The Istanbul 1st Heavy Penal Court will hold its 60th hearing on Monday at the hall opposite Marmara Closed Penal Institution. The court will hear final statements from the 200 defendants, five of whom are in custody, after their responses to the prosecutor's final opinion. Presiding Judge Oğuzhan Gül stated on July 29 that the case would be concluded on Monday, August 24, and that all defendants and lawyers must attend.
Indictment Charges
The 579-page indictment, completed on October 20, 2025, names Beşiktaş Municipality, Avcılar Municipality, Esenyurt Municipality, Istanbul ASFALT, and IETT as damaged parties, with 19 victims and 200 defendants. Prosecutors seek 187 to 450 years in prison for defendant Aziz İhsan Aktaş on charges including forming a criminal organization, bid rigging in 42 instances, forgery, fraud against public institutions, bribery in 10 instances, money laundering, and issuing false invoices. Suspended Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara faces 5 to 15 years for bid rigging and bribery, while suspended Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer faces 3 to 9 years for bid rigging and forgery. Suspended mayors Oya Tekin, Kadir Aydar, Zeydan Karalar, and reinstated Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere each face 4 to 12 years for bribery.
2 sources
Istanbul court to rule Monday in 200-defendant organized crime case
