A sweeping corruption investigation into the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality intensified on Tuesday as Turkish authorities launched a new wave of operations, detaining eight additional suspects, including prominent businessmen and a former police chief.

The operation, authorized by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, marks the eighth round of detentions in a probe that has shaken one of Türkiye's most vital tourism centers. Police conducted simultaneous raids across the province, seizing safes, documents, jewelry, and digital records believed to be linked to an alleged network of bribery, fraud, and money laundering.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation centers on allegations that large-scale bribes were paid to secure favorable contract approvals and expedited payments from the municipality. Officials allege that four contractors paid nearly 195 million Turkish Lira in bribes to suspended Mayor Muhittin Böcek and his son. The funds were reportedly funneled through intermediaries and laundered via business fronts and sports club accounts.

The latest detentions bring the total number of individuals held in the case to at least 20. Among those detained are senior municipal employees, local business figures, and notably, former Antalya provincial police chief İlker Arslan. A prominent businessman accused of facilitating the illicit transactions was also taken into custody.

The scandal has significant political ramifications, as Mayor Böcek is a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). He was suspended from his duties in July following similar allegations.

Opposition figures have condemned the investigation as politically motivated, suggesting it is part of a broader pattern of pressure on CHP-led municipalities. Government representatives, however, have defended the operations as a necessary part of a nationwide anti-corruption drive to ensure accountability in local administrations.

Through his legal team, Mayor Böcek has vehemently denied all accusations, labeling the case as being built on "fabricated evidence." The Antalya Metropolitan Municipality has not yet issued an official statement regarding the latest arrests.

The Antalya Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the case involves “irregularities in tender processes, misuse of public funds, and unlawful financial transactions.” Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests are possible as financial audits progress.

The National Financial Crimes Unit has been tasked with tracing complex money flows suspected to be connected to offshore accounts and property purchases. With the municipality now under interim management, officials expect the probe to continue for weeks as prosecutors prepare formal indictments against the growing list of suspects. (ILKHA)