Bribery investigation into post-earthquake demolition works in Malatya: 14 arrests

There has been a new development in the investigation carried out regarding the demolition works of the buildings damaged in the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023 in Malatya.

Within the scope of the investigation carried out under the coordination of Malatya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the police procedures of 26 suspects who were detained in operations carried out in 7 provinces have been completed.

According to the statement made by Malatya Governorship, Provincial Police Department Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch teams started working within the scope of 4 separate investigation files prepared against contractor companies regarding the demolition works carried out between March 2023 and January 2024.

In line with the investigation, a simultaneous operation was carried out at 31 addresses determined in 7 provinces, centered in Malatya.

26 suspects were detained during the operations.

After their procedures at the police station, 26 suspects were sent to the courthouse on charges of "Bribery", "Tender rigging" and "Laundering of proceeds of crime".

While 14 of the suspects brought before the judge were arrested, house arrest was ordered for 1 suspect.

8 of the suspects were released on condition of judicial control, and 3 of them were released by the prosecutor's office.