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Arrest of Istanbul's Mayor: Investigations into Financial Corruption
On Wednesday morning, Turkish police detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and 99 others as part of investigations related to "financial corruption and links to a criminal organization." The arrest followed the annulment of his university degree, with the public prosecutor describing him as a "leader of a criminal organization" and confirming his involvement in corruption cases within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
Investigations began after the release of videos related to illegal fundraising, with businesspeople testifying that they faced threats to force them to donate. The investigations also revealed violations in advertising contracts and tenders linked to the municipality, based on reports from the financial crimes unit and witness testimonies.
The public prosecutor has officially charged İmamoğlu and other leaders with charges of organized crime, bribery, money laundering, and more. Police are conducting searches and seizing assets to bring the accused to justice.
In response to his arrest, İmamoğlu posted a video on his "X" account, expressing concern over attempts to undermine the will of the people, emphasizing that there is a "mind trying to usurp the nation's will." This case is considered one of the largest corruption scandals facing the Istanbul Municipality and could significantly impact the political landscape in the country.
