19.06.2026 11:40
The location where Erhan Karaal, Deputy General Manager of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture Inc., who was kidnapped by unidentified individuals in Maltepe, Istanbul two days ago and rescued this morning, was held in Tuzla has been captured on footage. While the number of detentions related to the incident has increased to eight, it has been learned that Karaal said in his first statement, "They forcibly kidnapped me; if you hadn't come, they would have shot me in the head."
Erhan Karaal, Deputy General Manager of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture A.Ş., was kidnapped by unidentified individuals on Wednesday, June 17, in Maltepe, Istanbul. The Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation to apprehend the suspects.
FOUND WITH HANDS AND ARMS TIED IN TUZLA
After detailed camera reviews by teams from the Gayrettepe Public Order Department's Robbery Bureau, rescue efforts for Karaal were initiated. Announced as kidnapped near his home in Maltepe, Karaal was rescued in a coordinated operation.
8 SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
Found with his hands and arms tied in a disused prefabricated structure in a construction site in Tuzla, Karaal's health condition is reported to be good. A total of 8 suspects have been apprehended and taken into custody, including 2 yesterday, 5 during the night, and 1 in the morning hours.
LOCATION OF DETENTION CAPTURED ON VIDEO
After Karaal's kidnapping, the disused prefabricated structure and construction site in Tuzla where he was held were captured in detail on video.
HERE ARE ERHAN KARAAL'S FIRST WORDS
It was learned that the suspects held Erhan Karaal in empty factories first in Kocaeli and then in Tuzla to cover their tracks. After being rescued, Karaal is reported to have told the police, "They kidnapped me by force." His treatment continues, and once his health condition becomes suitable, a detailed statement will be taken from him.