Izmir’s Kemalpasa municipality faces court over concert fraud involving pop star Gulsen

An investigation has been launched by the Kemalpasa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office following a tip-off regarding public spending irregularities related to a concert that was planned for Republic Day on Oct. 29 but was canceled due to a terrorist attack in Ankara.

The concert was scheduled to feature Turkish pop star Gulsen.

After a five-month investigation and the collection of evidence, authorities initiated an operation. Five individuals, including the Deputy Mayor of Kemalpasa, were referred to the courthouse.

As part of an operation targeting irregularities within the CHP-led Kemalpasa Municipality in Izmir, Deputy Mayor A.B. and four other individuals were detained and later transferred to judicial authorities.

Gulsen concert never took place, allegations emerged after tip-off

The municipality had organized a concert for Oct. 29 Republic Day celebrations, which was ultimately canceled following a terrorist attack in Ankara.

Authorities received a report alleging misuse of public funds connected to the planned event. A detailed investigation was then launched, culminating in a coordinated police operation.

Detained upon discovery

According to the allegations, the suspects worked together to defraud public institutions and gain unjust profit. In a raid conducted by the Kemalpasa District Police Department, Deputy Mayor A.B. suspended former director of culture and social affairs H.B., municipal employees S.K. and B.B., and S.P., a representative from the event planning company, were detained.

Referred to judicial authorities

After completing their procedures at the police station, the suspects were referred to the courthouse.

The Kemalpasa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had issued arrest warrants for the five suspects on the grounds that they “knowingly and jointly caused financial damage to a public institution through fraudulent means to obtain unjust gain.”