Seven suspects detained in an investigation into allegations that several tenders, including the purchase of materials for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s mayoral residence, were rigged and caused public losses were sent to the criminal judgeship of peace with a request for their detention on charges of "rigging a tender."
The investigation alleges that irregularities occurred in several tenders conducted by the IMM Procurement Directorate, based on a preliminary review report prepared by inspectors from the Ministry of Interior and expert reports. The tenders included the purchase of LED televisions and sound systems for use in the mayoral residence, as well as the procurement of scooters for the services of the Municipal Police and Public Relations Directorates.
Abdulkerim Hazırbaba, Mustafa Delipoyraz, Volkan Karagöz, Talha Özyurt, Rezzan Neslihan Vural, Gökhan Fırtına, Saliha Ülkü Aydoğan, Ali Toy, Mehmet Yücetürk, Mustafa Sökmen, Vedat Taşdelen and Ekrem Baki completed procedures at the police station and underwent medical checks. The suspects were then taken to the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan.
After statements were taken at the prosecutor’s office, Abdulkerim Hazırbaba, Ekrem Baki, Mustafa Delipoyraz, Talha Özyurt, Mustafa Sökmen, Vedat Taşdelen and Volkan Karagöz were sent to the criminal judgeship of peace with a request for their detention. Judicial control measures were sought for the other five suspects. The suspects’ proceedings before the judgeship are continuing.
Alleged restrictions on participation in tenders
The referral document seeking detention states that inspectors’ and experts’ reports found that participation in the tenders had been significantly restricted and that other companies had been prevented from taking part in the process. The document alleges that the tenders were designed to give certain companies an advantage and caused public losses.
The referral document also said that bidders offering different models capable of meeting the requirements had been unable to participate in the tenders. WhatsApp messages between Volkan Karagöz, who served as deputy head of the IMM Procurement Department, and Talha Özyurt, identified as the head of the IMM Procurement Department and chairman of the commissions for two tenders, were also cited as evidence in the case file.
The messages allegedly discussed obtaining certain products related to the purchase of body cameras from the company that won the tender for LED televisions and sound systems for use in the mayoral residence. The same messages also referred to the possibility that the company would cover the payment for replacing a phone battery.
The referral document also included communications between Mustafa Delipoyraz, who was involved in the tenders, and Vedat Taşdelen, identified as the owner of A. Hırdavat, the company that won the LED television and sound systems tender. The communications allegedly shared information about an upcoming tender, along with the names of other companies and the prices they were expected to offer.
The prosecution assessed that the messages constituted strong grounds for suspicion that tender-related information had been leaked to the relevant company and that an unlawful benefit had been obtained in return. The case file was said to contain facts indicating strong criminal suspicion against Abdulkerim Hazırbaba, Mustafa Delipoyraz, Volkan Karagöz, Talha Özyurt, Mustafa Sökmen and Vedat Taşdelen.
Financial analysis concerning Ekrem Baki
The referral document also included a financial analysis report prepared by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board regarding Ekrem Baki. The report examined Baki’s account activity between 2017 and 2026 and noted a marked increase in money transfers in 2025 compared with previous years.
The document said that, as of 2025, the source of the transfers made through the account was noteworthy and that no finding had been made regarding this source. It was alleged that Baki’s HTS and cell-tower records showed frequent communication with certain people named in the investigation during periods when money transfers increased.
Background to the investigation
In a statement issued on September 3, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said that investigations into the activities of an alleged criminal organization established under the leadership of Ekrem İmamoğlu had uncovered findings that certain IMM tenders were rigged and caused public losses.
It said that a simultaneous operation had been conducted against 14 suspects, and that 12 people had been apprehended and detained by teams from the Istanbul Financial Crimes Combat Branch Directorate. It also said efforts were continuing to apprehend a suspect believed to be abroad, while proceedings against two suspects, including one in prison, were continuing.
The number of detainees rose to 13 after another suspect was apprehended following the operation.
