41 Detained in Investigation of Adalar Municipality

In an Istanbul-centered investigation, 41 people were detained on allegations of bribery, embezzlement, and forgery related to Adalar Municipality. The prosecutor's office stated that 47 suspects were involved in 40 separate acts concerning illegal construction and permit procedures.

Scraper SystemJune 19, 2026, 09:44 AM

41 Detained in Investigation of Adalar Municipality

An investigation conducted by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office was launched following allegations that Adalar Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat, Deputy Mayors Hüseyin Yılmaz and Fırat Durak, along with some department heads and municipal staff, carried out irregular permit procedures and overlooked illegal construction in the Adalar region, which is designated as a natural and archaeological protected area, in exchange for bribes.

The prosecutor's office announced that the suspects are being investigated for crimes including 'bribery,' 'embezzlement,' 'forgery of official documents,' 'establishing and managing an organization for committing crimes,' 'violation of Law No. 2863 on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets,' and 'abuse of office.'

Technical and financial surveillance was conducted as part of the investigation, with the Istanbul Police Department's Financial Crimes Division instructed to monitor the suspects. Data from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), as well as call and base station records, were examined, and witness statements were collected.

The investigation revealed that substantial renovations and construction activities on historic buildings were permitted under the guise of 'simple repairs' in exchange for bribes. It was also found that permits were issued or overlooked for unlicensed businesses in return for money.

According to findings in the investigation file, heavy fines were imposed on unlicensed businesses and illegal structures to incorporate them into the system, followed by bribery negotiations to reduce these fines.

Those who agreed to pay bribes had their penalties unlawfully reduced through document alterations, resulting in unjust gains. Additionally, individuals seeking permits from the municipality were allegedly directed to architects connected to municipal officials, who expedited permit processes and facilitated illegal permit issuance.

So far, 47 suspects have been identified as involved in 40 separate offenses within the scope of the investigation.

Simultaneous operations were conducted this morning across 90 addresses in four provinces centered in Istanbul. A total of 41 suspects, including Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat, were detained, and numerous digital materials were seized.

Efforts to apprehend suspects still at large are ongoing.

41 Detained in Investigation of Adalar Municipality