22.06.2026 22:51
Striking details have emerged in the 'bribery' investigation targeting the Silifke Municipality. According to the claim, the bribe of 600,000 lira, given in exchange for a million-dollar advertising tender, was hidden in a carton box of cardboard cups bearing the Silifke Municipality logo to avoid attracting attention. Additionally, it was determined that the private secretary deposited a portion of the money into his account on the same day.
The investigation into the Silifke Municipality in Mersin continues on charges including "bribery", "rigging tenders", and "extortion".
19 SUSPECTS, INCLUDING MAYOR MUSTAFA TURGUT, AT THE COURTHOUSE
In line with the investigation conducted by the Silifke Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, after 19 suspects were taken into custody by gendarmerie teams, fugitive suspect E.F.K. was also apprehended.
Of the 20 suspects whose procedures at the gendarmerie were completed, 1 was released, and 19, including Silifke Mayor Mustafa Turgut, deputy mayors Ezgi Erdağ Demirtaş and Şerife Yörükçü, and the municipality's Special Secretary E.S., were referred to the courthouse. Teams have taken security measures around the courthouse.
600 THOUSAND TL IN CASH FROM A CARDBOARD CUP BOX
600 thousand TL in cash, allegedly handed over in person as a "bribe" to municipal administrators by businessman Bora Tuğay, who won a million-dollar advertising tender from the municipality, was seized during an operation. It was determined that the money was hidden inside a cardboard cup box with the Silifke Municipality logo to avoid attention.
SPECIAL SECRETARY DEPOSITED IT INTO THE ACCOUNT THE SAME DAY
During the technical and physical surveillance processes deepened under the coordination of the police and prosecutor's office, the workings of the bribery scheme were also uncovered one by one. It was determined that immediately after Bora Tuğay, who won the advertising tender, handed the money over in person to the municipal administrators, the Silifke Municipality Special Secretary took action.
It was documented with official account statements and receipts that the Special Secretary deposited a portion of the bribe money, received in the box, into his personal bank account the same day without delay.
DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION
The investigation was initiated based on complaints received and evidence obtained against some public officials at the Silifke Municipality and suspects considered to be connected to them. Within the scope of the investigation, a detention decision was issued for 20 individuals on charges of "establishing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime", "being a member of an organization established for the purpose of committing a crime", "accepting and giving bribes", "extortion by coercion", "rigging tenders", and "misconduct in office".
In an operation conducted by gendarmerie teams on June 19, searches were carried out at the Silifke Municipality, as well as the residences, workplaces, vehicles, and companies of the suspects. Nineteen people, including Turgut, deputy mayors Ezgi Erdağ Demirtaş and Şerife Yörükçü, Special Secretary E.S., Property Management Director E.G., Zoning Director Ş.S.D., municipal employees, and Silifke Municipality Sports Club administrators, were detained, while suspect E.F.K. could not be reached.