Ankara Municipality files criminal complaint naming Melih Gökçek as head of alleged crime organization

September 2, 2026 at 01:37 AM2 min

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Ankara Metropolitan Municipality filed a criminal complaint with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office alleging that former mayor Melih Gökçek led a crime organization. The complaint names Gökçek, his wife Nevin, and sons Ahmet and Osman as top managers of the alleged organization. The filing includes an organizational chart and details procurement irregularities at Ankapark.

Key Facts

The criminal complaint was filed by Nadi Türkaslan, a retired prosecutor serving as Ankara Metropolitan Municipality's lawyer, with the Organized Crime Investigation Bureau.
Melih Gökçek, his wife Nevin Gökçek, and sons Ahmet and Osman Gökçek are accused of founding and managing the alleged crime organization.
The complaint includes an organizational chart placing Melih Gökçek at the head of the alleged organization.
The complaint describes procurement irregularities at Ankapark, including hundreds of toys purchased and paid for but left unassembled in customs warehouses.
Gökçek stated on social media that he has no accounts he cannot explain and will provide necessary information to the prosecutor's office.

The Criminal Complaint

Nadi Türkaslan, a retired prosecutor serving as Ankara Metropolitan Municipality's lawyer, filed the complaint with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Organized Crime Investigation Bureau. The complaint names Melih Gökçek, his wife Nevin Gökçek, and sons Ahmet and Osman Gökçek as top managers of the alleged crime organization. It also includes senior municipal bureaucrats such as the secretary general, deputy secretary general, department heads, and tender commission members as part of the organization's structure. Businessmen who received intensive tenders from the municipality and its companies are also listed in the organizational structure.

Procurement Irregularities at Ankapark

The complaint describes procurement methods at Ankapark that had not been previously disclosed. Hundreds of toys were purchased for Ankapark, with payments made despite the installation ground not being prepared, leaving the goods in customs warehouses. A significant portion of the purchased items was paid for without installation, and many devices' warranty periods expired before their packaging was even opened.

Gökçek's Response

Melih Gökçek responded to the allegations on social media, stating he has no accounts he cannot explain and will provide necessary information to the prosecutor's office. He declared he is surrendering himself to Turkish justice.