Istanbul’s Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Koseler detained in corruption probe

Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Koseler has been taken into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of bid rigging, Turkish authorities confirmed Thursday.

Authorities confirm multiple arrests including Alaattin Koseler

The Beykoz Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for Koseler and three other suspects on charges of “rigging public tenders.” Additionally, 17 other individuals face charges related to “forming, being a member of, or aiding a criminal organization.”

In response to the investigation, the Istanbul Financial Crimes Unit carried out operations leading to the detention of Koseler and 20 other suspects.

Legal proceedings underway

The detainees were transferred to the Istanbul Police Department’s Vatan Facility for processing. Meanwhile, police officers continued searches at the Beykoz Municipality offices as part of the ongoing probe.

Context of investigation

Authorities initially halted the release of certain individuals last weekend due to concerns over procedural violations. However, following legal and administrative reviews, law enforcement proceeded with the arrests, aligning with a broader effort to combat corruption in municipal institutions.

The allegations against Koseler and other suspects revolve around suspected misconduct in public procurement processes. Officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the contracts in question, but the investigation is expected to expand in the coming days.

Reactions from main opposition CHP

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel reacted to the detentions on his social media account X, “The operations launched against elected mayors after the 31 March local elections are the result of the panic of a political party and its executives, who lost their local power after 20 years by falling out of favor with the nation, knowing that they will lose their 22 years of central power in the first election.”

Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality also reacted to it and said: “Raiding the house of a mayor at four in the morning, who would come running if he was called to testify, is nothing but a reflection of personal ambition and anger. These practices have brought nothing to our country and nation.”

CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Ozgur Celik released a statement on his social media account after Koseler’s detention and said, “Our Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Koseler was detained at four at night by raiding his house with many police officers. This treatment of a 65-year-old mayor, whose place of residence is known, who will testify when called, is the last link in the chain of persecution.”