41 detained in bribery investigation targeting Adalar Municipality

In an Istanbul-centered investigation, 41 suspects were detained over allegations that illegal construction and unlicensed business operations in Adalar Municipality were overlooked in exchange for bribes. The operation was carried out at 90 addresses across 4 provinces, and Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat was among those taken into custody.

Scraper SystemJune 19, 2026, 12:19 PM

41 detained in bribery investigation targeting Adalar Municipality

The Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation after receiving reports that illegal constructions in protected areas and unlicensed businesses in Adalar Municipality were being overlooked in exchange for bribes.

As part of the investigation, an inquiry was opened into Adalar Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat, Deputy Mayors Hüseyin Yılmaz and Fırat Durak, along with some unit supervisors and municipal employees, on charges of 'bribery', 'extortion', 'forgery of official documents', 'forming and managing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime', 'violating the Law No. 2863 on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets', and 'misconduct in office'.

Teams from the Istanbul Provincial Police Department's Financial Crimes Division conducted technical and physical surveillance as part of the investigation. MASAK data, HTS and base station records were examined, and statements were taken from numerous witnesses.

As a result of the work carried out, it was determined that extensive renovation and construction activities in buildings of historical significance on the Adalar were permitted under the guise of 'simple repairs' in exchange for bribes, and that licenses were granted to unlicensed businesses or these businesses were tolerated in return for bribes.

The investigation alleged that high fines were imposed on unlicensed businesses and illegal constructions, and that bribe negotiations were subsequently conducted with property owners and operators in exchange for fine reductions. It was stated that the fines of those who agreed to pay bribes were reduced through irregularities in the paperwork, thereby securing financial gain.

The case file also included findings that municipal officials directed citizens seeking permits to architects connected to them, conducting bribe negotiations through these architects, and that the procedures of those involved in the system were expedited to ensure they obtained irregular permits.

It was determined that municipal officials and business owners negotiated bribes, with the bribe money being delivered in cash to municipal officials or individuals connected to them, involving a total of 47 suspects in 40 separate acts. Simultaneous operations were carried out at 90 addresses across 4 provinces centered in Istanbul in the early morning hours.

In the operation, 41 suspects, including Adalar Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat and Deputy Mayors Hüseyin Yılmaz and Fırat Durak, were captured and taken into custody. Numerous digital materials were also seized during the operation, while efforts to apprehend the fugitive suspects are ongoing.

41 detained in bribery investigation targeting Adalar Municipality