Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on Sunday, facing serious allegations of leading a criminal organization involved in fraud and bribery.

The high-profile detention unfolded early Wednesday when authorities took Imamoglu into custody alongside 105 other suspects linked to the case.

In a sweeping move, officials also confiscated assets belonging to Imamoglu’s contracting firm, Imamoglu Insaat, as part of the ongoing investigation. The mayor, a prominent political figure, has been under intense scrutiny following multiple probes into his administration’s activities.

The legal actions stem from two primary investigations. The first centers on allegations of corruption tied to public tenders, raising questions about the integrity of municipal contracts under Imamoglu’s leadership. The second probe involves a municipal employment scandal, with authorities claiming that individuals recruited by the city had connections to the terrorist group PKK, a designated outlawed organization in Turkey.

Adding further complexity, separate accusations have surfaced regarding the mismanagement of party funds, broadening the scope of the controversy surrounding the mayor. Imamoglu, a key opposition leader, has faced mounting pressure as these investigations intensify.

Details remain fluid as the case develops, with authorities yet to release a full statement on the evidence supporting the charges. The arrest marks a significant moment in Turkey’s political landscape, with potential ramifications for both Imamoglu’s career and the opposition movement he represents. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold. (ILKHA)