Istanbul prosecutors order detention of 13 in new İBB tender probe

September 3, 2026 at 10:42 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Istanbul prosecutors ordered the detention of 13 suspects in a new investigation into alleged tender rigging at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Twelve people were taken into custody in simultaneous raids, while one suspect is being sought abroad. The probe covers purchases including materials for the İBB mayoral residence.

Key Facts

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced detention orders for 13 suspects in the İBB tender investigation.
Twelve suspects were detained by Istanbul Financial Crimes Unit officers, while one suspect is abroad and being sought.
The investigation covers tenders including the purchase of materials for the İBB mayoral residence, with findings of bid rigging and public loss.
Detained individuals include İBB Procurement Department Head Mustafa Sökmen and Kent Lokantaları branch manager Ali Toy.
The probe is part of investigations into an alleged criminal organization led by Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Detention Orders

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced detention orders for 13 suspects in the investigation into İBB tenders. Twelve suspects were detained by Istanbul Financial Crimes Unit officers in simultaneous operations. One suspect, Onur Gülin, is abroad and efforts to apprehend him continue. The prosecutor's office stated the investigation is being conducted meticulously.

Tender Irregularities

The investigation is based on a preliminary inspection report by the Interior Ministry's Civil Inspection Board and expert reports. The reports found that some tenders conducted by the İBB Procurement Department, including the purchase of materials for the mayoral residence, were rigged and caused public loss. The prosecutor's office said the investigation targets the alleged criminal organization led by Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Detained Officials

Among those detained are İBB Procurement Department Head Mustafa Sökmen and Kent Lokantaları branch manager Ali Toy. Other detainees include former İBB Finance Department Head Neslihan Vural, municipal police manager Gökhan Fırtına, and Procurement Branch Manager Mehmet Yücetürk. The full list of 13 suspects was released by the prosecutor's office.