The number of people detained in the investigation into the kidnapping of Erhan Karaal, Deputy General Manager of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Kültür AŞ, has risen to 10. It was learned that two of them are pirate taxi drivers who were determined to have helped the suspects escape after the incident.
Allegations of Internal Irregularities
According to testimony given as a witness at the police station by T. T., who works as an artistic director at İBB Kültür AŞ, a person named S. U. was working on tender-related tasks at the company and was dismissed about four months ago. T. T. said they had heard rumors that S. U. was involved in irregular business and that S. U. blamed his dismissal on Erhan Karaal.
T. T. relayed that about three months ago, several contractors who claimed S. U. had taken money from them came to the workplace. At a meeting attended by Erhan Karaal, these individuals stated that S. U. had given an unspecified amount of money to Mr. Erhan and that they would collect this money from him.
T. T., stating that Erhan Karaal explained he did not receive such money and that such a situation was impossible, noted that the contractors said, 'We give up on the money, give us work.' Karaal reportedly responded, "This is a public company, work is not given to anyone here, you can participate in our procurements like everyone else. If your conditions comply with the law, of course," and said he relayed the matter to General Manager Mr. Cenk.
'Shoot Him in the Head' Order
It emerged that suspect Yusuf A., captured while waiting with a gun at Erhan Karaal's head during the operation, was assigned as a hitman. Interrogated at the Robbery Bureau Directorate and found to have numerous criminal records, primarily for drugs, it was determined that Yusuf A. was given a 'kill' order by the suspects.
It was learned that the suspects told Yusuf A., "We will ask for ransom from the family again. If they don't pay the ransom, we'll let you know. Then you shoot him in the head. This is an empty place, they'll have trouble finding the body even after 45 days. We'll cover our tracks. They won't find us."
