New development in the bribery and extortion operation against Üsküdar Municipality

There was a new development in the operation against the Republican People's Party's Üsküdar Municipality.

Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation on the allegation that bribery and extortion crimes were committed by irregularities in the construction and settlement license procedures in Üsküdar Municipality.

Deputy mayors Amine Cansu Çelik and Mithat Özdemir were detained during the investigation. Özdemir was released on condition of judicial control in the court where he appeared after his statement.

The procedures for Çelik, who is in custody, have also been completed. Çelik was referred to the courthouse.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Within the scope of the investigation carried out by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Üsküdar Deputy Mayor F.D, Mayor's Advisor U.M, Private Secretary A.K, Kent AŞ General Manager N.A. Following reports that the relevant unit chiefs and staff committed irregularities in the process of granting building permits and settlement permits, victim statements and the statements of some suspects, an investigation was launched against Üsküdar Mayor Sinem Dedetaş on charges of bribery, extortion and establishing and leading an organization for the purpose of committing crimes.

Although Üsküdar Municipality did not have any authority in the process of granting the building permit, it was claimed that the officials of the municipal subsidiary Kent AŞ coordinated the process of issuing the building permit by instructing the Üsküdar Municipality staff with the Excel table prepared by coloring the island parcel based on the communication network created via encrypted-closed-circuit e-mail.

According to MASAK data, it was claimed that many front consultancy service contracts worth 1 million 78 thousand 870 liras in total were signed between Kent AŞ and contractors, and that 361 million 392 thousand 264 liras were obtained through these contracts by coercing contractors who wanted to obtain building permits unofficially within the scope of the activities of the profit-oriented criminal organization within Üsküdar Municipality and its subsidiary Kent AŞ.

Following the studies and findings, 6 suspects who were detained in the simultaneous operation carried out at 11 addresses on July 29 were referred to the Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse.

Among the suspects, Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, private secretary Alihan Koçoğlu, architect Burçin Çevik and contractor Bülent Orhan Tozkoparan were arrested by the judgeship, while Deputy Mayor Ceyhun Ünlü and business follower Adem Altıntaş were released on condition of judicial control.

Within the scope of the investigation, Deputy Mayors Amine Cansu Çelik and Mithat Özdemir were also detained on September 2 to be questioned.