Terrorism and Corruption Operation Targets İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality in Latest CNN Türk Investigation
In a recent development, 91 individuals, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) President Ekrem İmamoğlu, were detained as part of two separate investigations initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Among them, new details have emerged about Emrah Bağdatlı, a fugitive mentioned in the investigation.
According to CNN Türk’s Istanbul News Manager Nihat Uludağ, Emrah Bağdatlı has no company in his name and is believed to have close ties with Ekrem İmamoğlu. Hüseyin Köksal, an individual associated with Bağdatlı, is also a key figure in the investigation. Furthermore, it has been revealed that Servet Yildirim, Hüseyin Köksal’s driver, is involved in the probe.
Witness statements and secret witness testimonies have led investigators to identify 20 individuals connected to the case. Phone conversations obtained through technical surveillance have shed light on the suspects’ questionable activities. Emrah Bağdatlı, who reportedly fled the country just before the investigation was launched, is believed to play a crucial role in the case.
It has been disclosed that Emrah Bağdatlı had orchestrated irregular tenders through companies linked to him, including IMM subsidiaries Media Inc., Kiptaş, and Kültür A.Ş. The Financial Branch is investigating assets worth millions of pounds, including a luxury villa in Acar City, allegedly linked to Bağdatlı.
Lawyer Zeki Arıtürk revealed that Bağdatlı became aware of the investigation when he noticed his phone in his wife’s bag and subsequently fled abroad. Despite efforts to reach him, authorities have been unable to track down Bağdatlı, who is now considered a fugitive.
In a series of operations on IMM subsidiaries, computers belonging to employees of Media Inc. were confiscated on March 4. Shortly after this crackdown, it was discovered that Emrah Bağdatlı had left the country and traveled to America to evade authorities.
Bağdatlı’s involvement in over 60 tenders between 2022-2024 through his affiliated companies has raised suspicions of corruption and malpractice. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of his illicit activities and bring all those involved to justice.
