01.06.2026 09:10
"The Mayor of Buca, Görkem Duman, who is engaged to singer Sevcan Orhan, was detained this morning as part of a 'corruption' investigation launched by the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Singer Sevcan Orhan had stated in a statement after the engagement, 'We are considering a wedding in September.'"
Under the coordination of the İzmir Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a simultaneous operation was carried out in 6 provinces centered in İzmir in the morning hours targeting Buca Municipality and its affiliated units. In the operation, actions were taken against numerous individuals, including current Buca Mayor Görkem Duman and former Mayor Erhan Kılıç.
HE HAD BECOME ENGAGED TO SEVCAN ORHAN
Görkem Duman, who was detained, had become engaged to singer Sevcan Orhan last May. Following the engagement held on May 18, Orhan stated, "I am very happy, everything is fine. We are planning the wedding in September. The engagement ceremony is set for this Sunday."
VACATION CONTROVERSY HAD MADE HEADLINES
Buca Municipality employees had launched a protest last year, claiming that their November salaries were not paid. During the ongoing protests, it was revealed that Görkem Duman was on Phuket Island with Sevcan Orhan.
Commenting on the criticism at the time, Sevcan Orhan responded to the question, "Did you feel uncomfortable with the criticism that you went on vacation while workers were not receiving their salaries?" by saying, "We went at an unfortunate time."
STATEMENT FROM THE CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE ON THE OPERATION
In a statement made by the İzmir Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was noted that a comprehensive investigation was launched against Buca Municipality and its affiliated units following studies conducted by the İzmir Provincial Police Department's Financial Crimes Branch Directorate.
The statement indicated that, based on the evidence obtained, a simultaneous operation was carried out on June 1 in 6 provinces centered in İzmir against a total of 62 suspects, including municipal administrators, employees, and company owners.
It was learned that within the scope of the investigation, 53 of the 62 suspects were detained, 3 individuals were in prison, and 6 were at large.
WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS?
The investigation file includes allegations that a criminal organization was established and managed using municipal resources, bribery took place between contractors and municipal officials, irregularities occurred in zoning processes, and credit cards, bank accounts, and vehicles belonging to municipal subsidiaries were used for personal purposes.
Additionally, it was reported that some individuals who reported or shared news about the municipality were assaulted, and it was determined that salaries were paid to individuals who did not actually work.
WHO IS GÖRKEM DUMAN?
Born on April 27, 1988, Görkem Duman began his education at Meşkure Şamlı Primary School. After Betontaş Anatolian High School, he graduated from Celal Bayar University's Construction Technology Department, Anadolu University's Business Administration Department, and Dokuz Eylül University's Architecture Department.
Starting his political career in the CHP in 2018, Duman later served as the Deputy Provincial Chairman of the CHP İzmir. He was elected as the Mayor of Buca in the March 31, 2024 local elections.