Major Retailers Deny Complaints Against Detained Bolu Mayor as CHP Faces Legal Assault

The “No Complaint” Paradox: Why is Tanju Özcan Still Detained?

In a striking turn of events for the high-profile “extortion” investigation in Bolu, BİM, one of Turkey’s largest retail chains, has joined competitors A101 and ŞOK in distancing itself from the arrest of Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan.

The investigation originally centered on allegations that Özcan sought “forced donations” for BOLSEV (Bolu Municipality Foundation), a fund established to provide student scholarships. It was widely reported that the mayor was detained based on complaints from the major “three-letter” market chains regarding bribery and extortion. However, the corporate sector’s narrative has shifted:

• BİM: Officially stated they are “neither the initiator nor a party to” the investigation and characterized social media reports claiming they complained as “groundless.”

• ŞOK: Confirmed that neither the company nor its executives filed any criminal complaint or accusation.

• A101: Denied any corporate complaint, noting only that an investigation is looking into statements made by a single employee regarding a period before they joined the company.

Despite these public denials, Özcan remains in custody, leading his legal team and supporters to brand the detention as a purely “political decision.” CHP Chairman Özgür Özel recently warned retailers against remaining silent, suggesting that a lack of transparency could lead to public backlash in Bolu.

Broader Pressure on CHP Municipalities

The case in Bolu appears to be part of a wider administrative and judicial offensive against the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). On the same day, major operations shook municipalities in the south.

1. Mersin Metropolitan Municipality

The Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (KOM) departments conducted early-morning raids on the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality building. The investigation focuses on alleged tender rigging, bribery, and influence peddling. Authorities seized digital data and accounting records. Notably, Doğukan Uyan, the Private Secretary to Mayor Vahap Seçer, was among those detained.

2. Antalya Döşemealtı Municipality

Simultaneously, an operation in Antalya led to the detention of several individuals, including former mayor Turgay Genç, over similar allegations of irregularities in public tenders.

Operations and Detentions: The Current Landscape

The judicial pressure on local administrations has intensified significantly in the current term. While the government maintains these are legal measures against corruption, the CHP views them as an attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of future electoral cycles.

Tensions Flare at Silivri: Day 3 of the “IBB Corruption Trial” Begins Amid Judicial Row

According to CHP MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu, the administrative pressure is relentless. He noted that during Tanju Özcan’s tenure alone, the Ministry of Interior prepared 174 investigation files, though the Council of State (Danıştay) refused to grant permission for 171 of them, citing a lack of evidence.