Indictment Accepted: İmamoğlu Faces Up to 2,352 Years in Prison

A massive indictment targeting 402 individuals, including Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor and former presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, has been formally accepted by the 40th High Criminal Court of Istanbul. The document exceeds 3,700 pages, and the court approved it within 14 days—though it has not yet issued the procedural order that sets the framework for detention rulings, trial dates, and venue.

The indictment, prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, concludes a sweeping corruption investigation involving senior municipal personnel, business networks, and political actors.

Prosecutors Seek 828 to 2,352 Years in Prison for İmamoğlu

The filing accuses İmamoğlu of serving as the “founder and leader” of an alleged criminal organization and charges him with 142 separate offenses. Prosecutors have requested a sentence of 828 to 2,352 years, making the case one of the most expansive criminal accusations brought against a political figure in Turkey in decades.

Out of the 402 suspects, 105 are currently in pre-trial detention.

Prosecutors Claim a “System” Built Since His Mayoralty in Beylikdüzü

According to the indictment, İmamoğlu is alleged to have established a “system” during his earlier tenure as mayor of Beylikdüzü. Prosecutors claim:

• This system later enabled his election as Istanbul mayor,

• facilitated his rise inside the CHP,

• and allegedly helped generate financial resources used during his presidential candidacy.

The indictment repeatedly refers to the alleged organizational structure using the phrase “like the arms of an octopus,” a description President Erdoğan frequently uses and is applied here to describe what prosecutors frame as a widespread operational network.

The claims include accusations of:

• forming and managing a criminal organization,

• bribery,

• solicitation of bribes,

• and involvement in financial schemes tied to municipal procurement and business groups.

CHP Leadership Also Implicated in the File

The indictment asserts that elements within the Republican People’s Party (CHP) benefited from illicit income associated with the alleged network. It further claims:

• İmamoğlu played a decisive role in the leadership transition from Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to Özgür Özel,

• The party knew about the network’s activities,

• and illicit revenue allegedly supported broader political operations.

Two CHP lawmakers are also accused of involvement. Prosecutors have reportedly prepared summaries of proceedings requesting the lifting of parliamentary immunity.

Additionally, the Prosecutor’s Office submitted an “informative notice” to the Court of Cassation Chief Prosecutor, referencing constitutional provisions related to party closure procedures.

Financial Damage Estimated at 160 Billion TL and 24 Million USD

The indictment cites an alleged public loss of 160 billion TL and 24 million USD.
Prosecutors also request the seizure of:

• assets belonging to İmamoğlu,

• assets of his son,

• multiple companies,

• and the CHP Istanbul provincial headquarters.

The indictment includes statements from 15 secret witnesses and acknowledges that 76 individuals cooperated under “effective remorse” provisions.

Seven-Part Indictment Details Expansive Accusations

The 3,700-page document is divided into seven main sections:

1. The alleged organization’s structure and characteristics

2. Summary of the investigation

3. Actions attributed to İmamoğlu during his Beylikdüzü mayorship

4. Actions alleged during his tenure as Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor, described as spreading “across the entire city like the arms of an octopus.”

5. Allegations involving Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality subsidiaries

6. Detailed classification of charges for each defendant

7. Relevant legal articles for prosecution

One piece of evidence highlighted is security footage showing cash transactions connected to the purchase of the CHP Istanbul headquarters. Prosecutors describe these recordings as “the first leaked images related to organizational activity.”

What Happens Next?

The court has not yet issued the procedural order (“tensip zaptı”). Once released, it will:

• determine whether detentions continue or are lifted,

• designate the courtroom or location where the trial will be held,

• and set the first hearing date.

Given the scale of the indictment, analysts expect the proceedings to be lengthy and complex, with significant political ramifications.