Turkish authorities have detained 120 individuals, including former Izmir Mayor Tunç Soyer and Şenol Aslanoğlu, head of the Izmir Provincial Chapter of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), in a sweeping corruption investigation targeting the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.

The operation, spearheaded by the Izmir Public Prosecutor’s Office, centers on allegations of corruption involving IZBETON AŞ, a municipal-affiliated company accused of facilitating fraudulent activities through subcontractor firms.

The investigation, prompted by reports from the Court of Accounts, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and expert witnesses, has led to charges of “interference with a tender and performance of duties” and “qualified fraud.” A detention order was issued for 157 suspects, with 120 already in custody, according to the Financial Crimes Investigation Department of the Provincial Police Directorate.

Among the prominent figures detained are former Izmir Metropolitan Municipality General Secretary Barış Karcı, former IZBETON General Manager Heval Savaş Kaya, Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Deputy General Secretary Ulaş Aydın, and Buca Municipality Deputy Mayor Engin Güzel. The list also includes former Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy General Secretary Özgür Ozan Yılmaz, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Council Member Çağlar Kalkan, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Eşrefpaşa Hospital Deputy Chief Physician Gaffar Karadoğan, IZSU General Manager Gürkan Erdoğan, Bayraklı Municipality Deputy Mayor Mehmet Hanifi Mert Yılmaz, CHP Bornova District Deputy Chairman Haydar İzgin, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy General Secretary Övünç Özgen, and F. Erkol, son of CHP Ankara Provincial Chairman Ümit Erkol.

The probe has sent shockwaves through Izmir’s political and business communities, with authorities alleging that IZBETON AŞ and its subcontractors manipulated tenders and engaged in fraudulent practices, causing significant financial harm. The operation follows reports of systemic irregularities, with the Court of Accounts and Ministry of Internal Affairs providing critical evidence to support the allegations.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to pursue the remaining suspects named in the detention order. The detentions have sparked debate, with some CHP members and supporters claiming the probe is politically motivated, targeting opposition figures ahead of future elections. The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality has yet to issue an official statement, but the scale of the operation underscores the government’s commitment to addressing alleged corruption within municipal structures. (ILKHA)