Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu detained

Detention orders have been issued for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 99 others as part of an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The allegations include charges of “leading a criminal organization,” “bribery,” “embezzlement,” “fraud,” and “bid rigging,” authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Police teams have reportedly arrived at his residence, conducting searches, while his press advisor, Murat Ongun, has been taken into custody.

Imamoglu’s detention led to a crash in Türkiye‘s stock exchange.

At the opening, the BIST 100 index dropped 741.75 points, or 6.87%, compared to the previous close, falling to 10,060.48 points. Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek assured the that the government takes all the measures in order to maintain the market stability in a tweet on Wednesday morning.

Prosecutor’s office alleges financial misconduct

According to an official statement from the prosecutor’s office, the investigation was launched following testimonies regarding financial irregularities within Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) and its subsidiaries.

Witnesses alleged that Imamoglu and several key officials pressured business owners for financial contributions, facilitated unlawful transactions, and laundered money through intermediaries.

The statement claims that members of the alleged organization secured overpriced contracts from municipal subsidiaries, including Medya AS and Kultur AS while failing to complete many of the awarded projects.

The funds were allegedly used for personal gain and to sustain the suspected criminal group’s operations.

Regarding the operation against Imamoglu, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office stated, “A detention warrant has been issued for a total of 100 people, including the suspected criminal organization leader Ekrem Imamoglu, Murat Ongun, Tuncay Yilmaz, Fatih Keles, Ertan Yildiz and 95 suspects related to these individuals.”

Ongoing investigation targets Ekrem Imamoglu and IBB officials

Authorities have issued detention orders for multiple individuals linked to the municipality, including Imamoglu, Ongun, and several other high-profile figures.

According to the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation is focused on Medya A.S. and the “Urban Consensus” project.

Ongun confirmed his detention through social media, posting, “I am being detained. They think that by silencing us, they will prevent us from defending and supporting Ekrem Imamoglu. I am calling out to our citizens who have accounts on all social media platforms: From now on, Ekrem Imamoglu is entrusted to the Turkish nation. Protect, look after, support! They cannot defeat the nation. Everything will be great.”

Police raid Imamoglu’s residence

As part of the operation, police arrived at Imamoglu’s residence early in the morning. Reports indicate that approximately 20 police vehicles were deployed to the scene.

Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) Istanbul MP Turan Taskin Ozer claimed that a significant number of law enforcement officers were stationed outside Imamoglu’s home.

“20 vehicles full of law enforcement officers arrived at the residence of our Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in the early hours of the morning and he is being detained. I am on my way to our President, and I will share with you the current developments, moment by moment, to inform you about the situation. We will follow the ongoing process with great care,” Ozer said.

Bribery and coercion allegations

The prosecutor’s office further alleges that members of the network obtained funds through threats and coercion, demanding bribes from local businesses. Business owners who refused to comply were reportedly subjected to municipal fines and other financial penalties.

Authorities also claim that funds were funneled into private construction projects associated with Imamoglu and his associates, with money laundering operations facilitated through shell companies.

The statement asserts that the findings are supported by financial crime reports, tax audits, and witness testimonies.

As part of the operation, the Istanbul Financial Crimes Division has been instructed to conduct simultaneous raids, detain the suspects, and seize relevant evidence. Officials confirmed that some suspects have already been taken into custody.

Imamoglu responds with defiance

In a video message from his residence, Imamoglu criticized the authorities for their actions, stating, “A handful of minds trying to usurp the will of our nation have sent hundreds of police officers to the home of 16 million Istanbulites by misusing my beloved police force. We are facing great oppression, but I want you to know that I will not back down.”

He continued, “I love you all. I entrust myself to my nation. Let everyone know that I will stand firm. I will continue to fight against that person and the mentality using this entire process as an apparatus.”

Expanding operation targets 105 individuals

Haberturk journalist Ceylan Sever reported that the operation extends beyond Imamoglu and Ongun, with detention orders issued for 105 individuals, including Necati Ozkan, Imamoglu’s election campaign director. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office-led operation reportedly involves an estimated 3,000 police officers.

Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and former presidential candidate for CHP, was recently the subject of legal scrutiny, with his diploma being annulled a day before the raid.