Istanbul's Eyüpsultan Mayor Mithat Bülent Özmen detained in corruption probe

October 2, 2026 at 10:20 AM1 min

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Istanbul's Eyüpsultan Mayor Mithat Bülent Özmen was detained on October 2 in a corruption investigation led by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. A total of 28 suspects, including 23 public officials, were taken into custody in simultaneous operations across Istanbul. The operation targeted allegations of organized crime membership, bribery, and bid-rigging.

Key Facts

Eyüpsultan Mayor Mithat Bülent Özmen was among 28 suspects detained on October 2 in a corruption investigation led by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
The operation targeted allegations of organized crime membership, bribery, and bid-rigging, with 23 of the suspects being public officials.
Simultaneous operations were carried out across Istanbul, and all 28 suspects named in arrest warrants were taken into custody.
The investigation is linked to the Çankaya Municipality, and Özmen is expected to be transferred to Ankara.
Three months earlier, Eyüpsultan Deputy Mayor Hasan Karabulut and one employee were arrested in the same investigation.

The Operation

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for 28 suspects, including 23 public officials, in connection with the Eyüpsultan Municipality corruption investigation. On October 2, simultaneous operations were conducted across Istanbul, resulting in the detention of all 28 individuals named in the warrants. Eyüpsultan Mayor Mithat Bülent Özmen was among those detained, along with other municipal employees. The charges include membership in a criminal organization, accepting and giving bribes, and rigging public tenders.

Investigation Background

The investigation is linked to the Çankaya Municipality, and Özmen is expected to be transferred to Ankara for further proceedings. Three months ago, Eyüpsultan Deputy Mayor Hasan Karabulut and one employee were arrested in the same investigation. Authorities also conducted searches at the Eyüpsultan Municipality service building as part of the operation.