19.06.2026 11:31
The background of the operation launched against the CHP-led Silifke Municipality in Mersin's Silifke district has been revealed. It was learned that the investigation was initiated based on an email tip alleging irregularities in the municipality's tender processes, zoning transactions, and various procurements. 18 suspects, including Mayor Mustafa Turgut, were taken into custody, with the case file including allegations of bribery, extortion, bid-rigging, and organized crime.
It has been revealed how the investigation against the CHP-run Silifke Municipality in the Silifke district of Mersin began and on which allegations it was conducted after the operation.
It was learned that the investigation, carried out by the Silifke Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, was initiated based on a complaint made via email.
STRIKING ALLEGATIONS IN THE COMPLAINT
The complaint alleged that irregularities were committed in some municipal activities through a structure where Silifke Mayor Mustafa Turgut was claimed to hold an executive position.
In the complaint text included in the file, it was claimed that during festivals organized by the municipality, Erman Fatih Kirişçi participated in tenders with different companies stated to be his own, won tenders through multiple companies in the same organizations, and that financial irregularities occurred during the festival processes.
ZONING TRANSACTIONS ALSO IN INVESTIGATION FILE
Another allegation in the investigation pertained to zoning transactions within the municipality.
The complaint alleged that Municipal Zoning Director Şeyma Savar Demren delayed some transactions, demanded undue benefits from citizens to fulfill requests, and that money transfers were made through the accounts of her brother, Hasan Devrim Savar.
MUNICIPAL PURCHASES UNDER SCRUTINY
The file also included allegations that certain individuals, stated to be relatives of Mustafa Turgut, supplied food, beverages, groceries, and agricultural products to the municipality at high prices, and that the revenues obtained were transferred to municipal administrators.
Additionally, financial movements and tender processes related to printing, organization, and vehicle rental tenders were also included in the scope of the investigation.
It was claimed that the company named BCA Organization, which won the printing tender from Silifke Municipality, was established on the instructions of Mustafa Turgut; that on December 18, 2025, a box was received from the company BCA Organization located in the city center of Mersin, and the amount of 600,000 TL was delivered to Silifke Municipality Procurement Director Erdoğan Gürbüz; and that on December 19, 2025, Erdoğan Gürbüz came to the municipality and handed over the said money to Ersin Servi.
TECHNICAL SURVEILLANCE AND FINANCIAL REVIEWS CONDUCTED
It was learned that during the investigation process, witness and suspect statements, as well as HTS and PTS records, bank account transactions, technical examinations, and institutional records were evaluated together. Based on the findings obtained, a decision for an operation was made on June 19, 2026.
18 SUSPECTS, INCLUDING THE MAYOR, DETAINED
Under the coordination of the Silifke Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, teams from the Provincial Gendarmerie Command conducted simultaneous operations at the municipal building and numerous addresses.
During the operation, 18 suspects, including Silifke Mayor Mustafa Turgut, were detained. It was reported that one person with an arrest warrant is still being sought.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES MULTI-DIRECTIONALLY
It was stated that the investigation is continuing multi-directionally on charges of "establishing an organization to commit a crime," "bribery," "extortion," "tampering with tenders," "sabotaging the performance of obligations," and "misconduct of office."
Authorities reported that allegations regarding the municipality's tender processes, direct procurement transactions, festival organizations, advertising and printing services, and various purchasing activities are being examined in detail.
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