Pro-AKP journalist: “If allegations are true, a trustee will be appointed to Istanbul Municipality”

Pro-government columnist Cem Küçük said the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) could face direct state intervention if claims in an ongoing espionage investigation prove accurate. Citing evidence reportedly found on the computer of businessman Hüseyin Gün, Küçük claimed the case could implicate figures close to suspended Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, including commentators Merdan Yanardağ and Necati Özkan.

How AKP-aligned media interpreted the CHP ruling — will Turkey’s political risk premium fall?

Prosecutors probe alleged “espionage network”

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that İmamoğlu and campaign adviser Necati Özkan will be questioned under an ongoing investigation into alleged espionage activities.

Journalist Merdan Yanardağ has been detained as part of the same probe, while businessman Hüseyin Gün was arrested on July 4 on charges of “spying on behalf of foreign states.”

According to the prosecutor’s statement, Gün allegedly conducted covert communications using encrypted phone systems and financed “internal disturbances” in several countries. Digital materials seized from his computer are now being analyzed by investigators.

“If true, this is extremely serious,” says Cem Küçük

Speaking on TGRT Haber’s Medya Kritik program, Türkiye Gazetesi columnist Cem Küçük said the allegations outlined in the prosecutor’s documents were “extremely grave.”

“According to the investigation file, records retrieved from Hüseyin Gün’s computer include the names of Merdan Yanardağ and Necati Özkan,” Küçük said. “He used software once favored by FETÖ operatives and allegedly transmitted voter data to foreign intelligence services.”

Küçük noted that the digital data seized by the National Police was later decrypted with technical assistance from the National Intelligence Organization (MİT).

“According to the findings, Yanardağ and Özkan were in contact with this man,” Küçük claimed. “They allegedly passed the information they obtained to Ekrem İmamoğlu. If these details are accurate, it is an extremely serious matter.”

Turkish Opposition Leader İmamoğlu Faces Espionage Probe as Journalist Yanardağ Detained

“If evidence is confirmed, a trustee would be appointed immediately”

Küçük warned that, if verified, the contents of the seized computer could have major political consequences.

“Everything on Hüseyin Gün’s computer will be tracked,” he said. “If the evidence and communications are authentic, this would be a very grave situation — and a trustee (kayyım) would be appointed to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality immediately.”

His comments come amid rising tension within the opposition CHP following recent court rulings and the continuing legal pressure on İmamoğlu and his allies.

Background: widening scope of the espionage probe

The espionage investigation, launched earlier this year, has already led to the appointment of state trustees to media outlets, including TELE1, after prosecutors alleged links to Gün’s network.

While government-aligned commentators describe the operation as a “national security necessity,” opposition figures call it a politically motivated purge aimed at removing İmamoğlu from the political scene ahead of the 2026 local elections.

As of this week, no formal indictment has been issued against İmamoğlu or Özkan, but prosecutors are expected to summon both men for statements in the coming days.

PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles on our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.

Follow our English language YouTube videos @ REAL TURKEY: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFJB4GFiNkhmpVZQ_d9Rg
Twitter: @AtillaEng
Facebook: Real Turkey Channel