20.06.2026 17:50
New details have emerged in the bribery, extortion, and corruption investigation conducted by the İzmir Seferihisar Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Journalist Evrim Ataman, who was detained as part of the investigation and gave a statement benefiting from the provisions of effective remorse, shared his allegations regarding certain procedures at the municipality with the prosecutor's office. The statement records included in the case file contain various monetary demands and allegations of irregularities related to zoning, permits, and occupancy processes.
New allegations have emerged in the bribery, extortion, and corruption investigation targeting the İzmir Seferihisar Municipality. Journalist Evrim Ataman, who testified under the provisions of effective remorse, presented statements to the prosecutor's office containing striking claims regarding certain zoning, licensing, and tender processes within the municipality. It has been learned that the investigation is being conducted from multiple angles in line with these statements.
MUNICIPALITY UNDER SCRUTINY
As part of the investigation coordinated by the İzmir Seferihisar Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, certain practices within the Seferihisar Municipality have been examined based on information and documents obtained through efforts by the İzmir Provincial Police Department's Financial Crimes Unit. The statements in the file include various allegations regarding some municipal procedures.
Journalist Evrim Ataman, who testified under the provisions of effective remorse, detailed his allegations about certain practices within the municipality in three separate statements.
ALLEGATIONS REGARDING THE STRUCTURE CALLED "THE POOL"
According to Evrim Ataman's statements, it is claimed that some citizens' and contractors' procedures were delayed at the Seferihisar Municipality, followed by demands for money through a structure referred to as "the pool." Ataman alleged that Deputy Mayor İbrahim Gökhan Pehlivan, along with Akın Emre İldeniz and İrfan Çevik, played roles in these processes.
According to the statement, some meetings were held at a real estate office opposite the Seferihisar Courthouse. Ataman also stated that he heard various allegations being discussed publicly regarding Mayor İsmail Yetişkin's connection to the said structure.
ALLEGATIONS REGARDING THE CONCRETE PLANT
According to information in Ataman's statement, it is claimed that he prepared news reports about the concrete plant named "Betonsa/Betontaş," and following these reports, the municipality took action regarding the facility.
Ataman alleged that a total of 2.5 million Turkish Lira was demanded from the plant owner in connection with processes related to licenses and operating permits. He claimed that a portion of this amount was delivered in cash, and that he gave a part of 10,000 Euros to İbrahim Gökhan Pehlivan during a meeting held at the Seferihisar Writers' House.
ALLEGATIONS IN THE OCCUPANCY PERMIT PROCESS
Ataman alleged that for the completion of occupancy permit procedures for the project named İyonya Konakları in Düzce District, contractor Sönmez Budak was initially demanded 12 million Turkish Lira. He claimed that after negotiations, this amount was reduced to 6 million Turkish Lira.
According to Ataman's statement, payments were made via checks issued in his name. It is claimed that after the checks were cashed, the money was delivered to the relevant individuals through various methods.
In the subsequent stages of the investigation, the prosecutor's office asked Ataman whether he had any commercial relationship with accounts registered under the name Özlem Akyılmaz Mercan and with CHP Deputy Veli Ağbaba regarding certain money transfers. Ataman stated that he did not personally know Ağbaba, only sent money to the account details provided to him, and had no knowledge of what happened afterward.
ALLEGATIONS REGARDING HALKMARKET AND TENDERS
Ataman's statements also included various allegations regarding Halkmarket, which operates under the municipality-affiliated Jeotermal A.Ş. It is claimed that some revenues were not reflected in financial records, resulting in a difference of millions of lira.
The statement also included allegations that some purchases made through direct procurement methods were not actually carried out, and that money was transferred via issued invoices.
It was also alleged that various payments were made to a former municipal council member, and these payments were conducted through certain tender processes.
PERSONAL DATA AND PERSONNEL ALLEGATIONS
Ataman claimed that a municipality employee shared citizens' parcel lot, plot, and title deed information with third parties in exchange for payment. He alleged that this situation was reported to the municipal administration but no action was taken.
Additionally, Ataman stated that there were personnel who received salaries despite not actually working at the municipality, claiming their number to be approximately 25.
It has been learned that the investigation is ongoing based on testimony records, HTS records, MASAK reports, and other evidence.