BREAKING: New Wave in Istanbul Municipality Probe: Detention Orders Issued for 18 Individuals

Turkish prosecutors have launched a new wave of detentions targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), issuing arrest warrants for 18 individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation into bribery and public tender manipulation.

A fresh round of detentions has been ordered as part of the wide-ranging investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), which initially gained national attention following the March 18 annulment of opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s university degree and his subsequent arrest the following day.

According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, 18 individuals are now being sought on charges of bribery and bid rigging. The investigation includes search and seizure warrants, indicating the probe is intensifying.

Bribery and Procurement Irregularities Under Scrutiny

The investigation, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Istanbul Financial Crimes Division, alleges that suspects were involved in bribery—both giving and receiving—and manipulation of public procurement processes within the IBB or affiliated institutions.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that simultaneous operations were conducted this morning, resulting in the detention of 14 out of the 18 suspects. Legal procedures for the remaining four individuals are ongoing.

Political Backdrop: İmamoğlu’s Detention Sparks Controversy

The probe gained significant traction in March 2025, when Ekrem İmamoğlu, presidential candidate for the opposition CHP and sitting mayor of Istanbul, was detained just one day after his university diploma was invalidated by a controversial court ruling. The IBB investigation is widely viewed by critics as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures ahead of Turkey’s anticipated November elections.

Tensions Rising Ahead of Election Season

These developments come at a time of mounting political tension in Turkey, with critics warning that legal actions against opposition leaders and municipal officials may be politically motivated. Human rights groups and international observers are expected to closely monitor the case in the weeks to come.