Ali Ayçiçek’s Statement Emerges in IMM Corruption Investigation
Corruption Investigation in Istanbul: Key Developments
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a significant investigation following the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) President Ekrem İmamoğlu and several suspects. The charges against these individuals include forming a criminal organization, membership in a criminal organization, misconduct, bribery, qualified fraud, and the unlawful acquisition of personal data.
One of the key figures in this investigation is Ali Ayçiçek, the former head of the IMM Real Estate Management Department, who has provided extensive testimony during his detention. In a detailed 72-page statement, Ayçiçek recounted his tenure as the head of the department from July 24, 2020, to April 18, 2022, and mentioned his current position as an inspector at the IMM Inspection Board, a role he has held since March 18, 2023. He disclosed that his monthly salary was 200,000 Turkish Lira.
Ayçiçek’s testimony raised serious allegations regarding the IMM’s interactions with private companies. He claimed that irregularities were prevalent in advertising and board tenders involving IMM subsidiaries, where non-existent advertising projects were allegedly paid for, leading to significant financial losses for the public.
He argued that certain tenders were not related to his term and stated that the Real Estate Management Department did not have the authority concerning various advertising applications or contracts.
During the investigation, authorities seized his mobile phone and discovered that Ayçiçek was part of a WhatsApp group called "Enderun." In messages within this group, he made several troubling statements about other officials, highlighting alleged internal conflicts and issues surrounding tender processes.
One concerning message expressed doubts about an individual referred to as M. Abbas, describing him as inexperienced yet dangerous. Ayçiçek mentioned dubious tender practices involving a contractor, raising alarm about the ethics of such dealings.
He defended himself by stating that the group chats included discussions among his colleagues and asserted that during his 24 years of public service, he had never faced disciplinary action, maintaining that his sole intention has always been to serve the state and its citizens honorably.
The unfolding investigation raises essential questions about oversight and transparency within the IMM as authorities work to uncover the extent of the alleged misconduct. The case highlights ongoing issues of corruption that need to be addressed to restore public trust in municipal governance.
