17.05.2026 15:20
After the arrest of Gökhan Cumalı, who has been on the agenda of İzmit municipality tenders for years, controversial details from the past have resurfaced. It was reported that Cumalı received direct procurement and invitation-based tenders between 2021-2023, and was referred to as the 'golden boy' due to his activities conducted through new companies. The fact that Özgür Özel and Veli Ağbaba served as witnesses at Cumalı's wedding has also become a topic of debate again.
Following the arrest of Gökhan Cumalı, who has been associated with municipal tenders in İzmit for years, details that previously sparked public debate have come back into focus. In particular, the tenders he received, his political connections, and the notable names at his wedding have begun to be discussed again.
ATTENTION TURNS BACK TO TENDER PROCESSES
As news of the arrest of Gökhan Cumalı, once known as a "chauffeur to the chief," reached the public, attention turned back to the tender processes that had sparked controversy years ago.
According to a report by Engin Şahin from En Kocaeli, Cumalı's name had come to the fore especially with direct procurement and invitation-only tenders he received from İzmit Municipality in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
FURNITURE AND SERVICE PROCUREMENT TENDERS DREW ATTENTION
During that period, Cumalı's name appeared in many tender files related to furniture purchases and various service procurements, leading to intense public debate. As tenders were awarded through newly established companies, numerous questions arose about Cumalı, and he was referred to as the "golden boy" in the process.
OFFICE DETAIL MADE HEADLINES
Allegations that Cumalı conducted his company activities from different addresses in İzmit and did not have a standalone office were among the notable topics at the time. It was noted that this situation was particularly debated in connection with municipal tenders.
NAMES AT THE WEDDING ARE DISCUSSED AGAIN
Cumalı's wedding ceremony in 2021 has also resurfaced following his arrest. The wedding was officiated by Bülent Kerimoğlu, and it was reported that witnesses included CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and CHP Malatya MP Veli Ağbaba. Additionally, wreaths were sent to the ceremony by Seyit Torun, Gamze Akkuş İlgezdi, Battal İlgezdi, and Deniz Kutlu.
HE CLOSED SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Despite the allegations that came to light publicly, the lack of an official statement for a long time drew attention. During the process, it was stated that Cumalı closed his social media accounts, and after a while, his name ceased to appear in municipal tenders. Following these developments, comments were made that the case had faded into silence.
ARREST ANNOUNCED
Finally, it was announced that Gökhan Cumalı, whose name came up in processes associated with Turgut Koç, has been arrested. Journalist Barış Yarkadaş, who shared the information with the public, stated that Cumalı had previously been Turgut Koç's chauffeur.
After Cumalı's arrest, past tender processes and details that had sparked public debate have come back to the forefront, and it is a matter of curiosity whether new developments will occur in the case.