10.04.2026 02:00
It was stated that in the investigation of the BolSev Foundation, where Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan is being prosecuted in detention, the funds collected under the name of sacrificial donations were used for purposes other than intended. It was reported that the inspector's reports revealed that despite the donations collected for those in need, not a single sacrificial animal was purchased.
The Mayor of Bolu and the Chairman of the BolSev Board of Directors, Tanju Özcan, along with BolSev Board Member Ali Sarıyıldız, are among those detained in the case, while Leyla and Aydan Özdemir, who are part of the foundation's management, are also among the key figures in the investigation.
CORPORATE DONATIONS WERE COLLECTED, NOT A SINGLE ANIMAL WAS PURCHASED!
Striking findings have emerged in the investigation conducted through the BolSev Foundation, which is linked to the municipality in Bolu. It has been learned that donations were collected from citizens for animal sacrifices in 2025, and money was raised from the public for this purpose. However, according to inspector reports, there is not a single transaction related to the purchase or slaughter of sacrificial animals in the foundation's records.
THEY SAID 'SACRIFICE' IN ADVERTISEMENTS, ANOTHER TRUTH EMERGED IN THE FILE
While the foundation's social media posts called on citizens that "Your sacrifices will be delivered to those in need," statements included in the investigation file revealed that the donations were not used for this purpose. It was reported that BolSev Board Member Ali Sarıyıldız stated, "We collected the donation not for animal sacrifice, but to provide scholarships to students." This statement emphasized that the foundation did not engage in any activities related to animal sacrifice from the very beginning.
36 VICTIMS, UP TO 252 YEARS OF PRISON POSSIBILITY
According to the information in the file, there are 36 victims. Legal evaluations suggest that approximately 7 years of imprisonment could be requested for each victim, and in this context, the possibility of a total of up to 252 years of imprisonment could arise. It is noted that elements such as the crime being committed through information technology, being carried out by multiple individuals, and the exploitation of religious sentiments could increase the penalty.
EYES ON THE JUDICIAL PROCESS
While the investigation continues in the scandalous case in Bolu, the public is closely following how the judicial process will unfold.