Midnight Operation Targets CHP-Controlled Ataşehir Municipality, Mayor Detained

Turkish authorities have launched a late-night corruption operation targeting Istanbul’s Ataşehir Municipality, detaining Mayor Onursal Adıgüzel along with multiple senior officials. The move marks the latest in a series of legal actions against municipalities run by the main opposition CHP, intensifying political tensions.

Mayor and Senior Officials Detained

A midnight police operation was carried out against Ataşehir Municipality as part of a corruption investigation led by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Among those targeted is Ataşehir Mayor Onursal Adıgüzel, along with three deputy mayors—Birkan Birol Yıldız, Orhan Aydoğdu, and Oğuz Kaya—and several municipal officials.

Prosecutors issued detention warrants for 21 individuals, with 18 taken into custody so far.

Allegations: Bribery and Bid Rigging

According to the prosecutor’s statement, the investigation centers on allegations of:

• Bribery
• Establishing and participating in a criminal organization
• Bid rigging in public tenders

Authorities claim that municipal officials accepted bribes from companies in exchange for construction permits and occupancy approvals.

Investigators cited financial intelligence reports, phone records, and witness testimonies as evidence supporting the accusations.

“Million-Dollar Bribes” Alleged

The investigation alleges that companies operating within Ataşehir paid substantial bribes—reportedly amounting to millions of dollars—to secure favorable treatment in zoning and licensing processes.

Officials are accused of coordinating with private sector actors, with payments allegedly distributed among municipal staff based on rank and authority.

Broader Crackdown on CHP Municipalities

The operation is the latest in a series of legal actions targeting municipalities governed by the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).

The crackdown has intensified since the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, widely seen as a key political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Summary of Crackdown Since İmamoğlu’s Arrest

• CHP municipalities targeted: At least 4 municipalities (including Istanbul Metropolitan, Bursa, Uşak, and now Ataşehir)
• Total detentions across operations: Over 90 individuals detained in connection with various investigations

These figures highlight the expanding scope of legal actions against opposition-controlled local governments in recent months.