04.06.2026 18:21
While the 54 suspects detained in the corruption operation targeting Buca Municipality, coordinated by the İzmir Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, are expected to be referred to the courthouse, striking details emerged from digital material examinations. Within the scope of the investigation, it was determined that a clerk in the payment unit had 13 racehorses registered in his name.
As part of the bribery and corruption investigation conducted by the İzmir Republic Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a large-scale operation was carried out by the Provincial Police Department's Financial Crimes Branch against the Buca Municipality. The detention process at the police station continues for 54 suspects, including current Buca Mayor Görkem Duman, former mayors, deputy mayors, and department heads. The suspects, expected to be referred to the İzmir Courthouse tomorrow, have had their digital materials examined, further deepening the scope of the investigation.
MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE OWNED 13 RACEHORSES
In the examinations within the investigation file, it was determined that Bahadır Yılmaz, working as a clerk in the Buca Municipality's progress payment unit, owned 13 racehorses. Additionally, the accusation that Yılmaz accepted bribes related to the process of two separate construction projects within the district borders was among the details reflected in the file.
400 THOUSAND TL RECEIPT AND 'ATM OFFICER' CONFESSION
In examinations of Buca Mayor Görkem Duman's digital materials, it was alleged that he received instructions regarding municipal personnel and operations from CHP Buca District Chair Çağdaş Kaya, and obtained information from relevant personnel concerning constructions owned by contractor Doğan Sarıkaya, who appears as a suspect in the file. It was also determined that a receipt indicating Mayor Duman received 400 thousand TL during a meeting with İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and Buca Municipality Council Member Mustafa Genç was found.
Meanwhile, in the digital examination of Buca Mayor's Assistant and Sports Directorate staff member Yağmur Güçerek, a striking phone conversation recording emerged. In the phone call made by Güçerek, it was determined that he clearly admitted for himself the situation of receiving a salary without going to work, which is characterized in the public as an 'ATM officer.'