28.05.2026 07:51
Güzelbahçe Mayor Mustafa Günay, arrested in İzmir as part of a bribery and corruption investigation, has been suspended from duty by a Ministry of Interior decision. The investigation file includes charges such as forming a criminal organization, bribery, abuse of office, zoning irregularities, violating the coastal law, and forgery of official documents. Searches were conducted at the municipality as part of the operation, and it was stated that new detentions and arrests may occur.
A new decision has been made regarding Mustafa Günay, the Mayor of Güzelbahçe, who was arrested in the investigation launched in İzmir on allegations of "misconduct and bribery". The Ministry of Interior announced that Günay has been temporarily suspended from duty as a precautionary measure within the scope of the ongoing judicial process.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY
In a written statement by the Ministry of Interior, it was stated that a comprehensive investigation is being conducted by the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding Mustafa Günay.
The statement said, "Mustafa Günay, the Mayor of Güzelbahçe, was investigated under file number 2026/70858 of the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the crimes of 'Establishing an Organization to Commit a Crime and Being a Member of an Organization, Bribery, Misconduct, Violation of the Zoning Law, Violation of the Coastal Law, Causing Zoning Pollution, Forgery of Official Documents'. Following the initiation of the investigation and the imposition of the arrest measure, he has been temporarily suspended from duty by the Ministry of Interior as a precautionary measure in accordance with Article 127 of the Constitution and Article 47 of the Municipal Law No. 5393."
STRIKING ALLEGATIONS IN THE INVESTIGATION
The investigation file includes not only bribery and misconduct but also violations of zoning regulations and irregular procedures in coastal areas. According to prosecutor's office sources, the focus of the investigation is on certain construction permits, licensing processes, and zoning practices within the municipal borders, particularly in the coastal region. It was noted that the file also includes charges of forgery of official documents and causing zoning pollution.
ARRESTED FOLLOWING THE OPERATION
Within the scope of the operation organized under the instructions of the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, searches were conducted in several units of the municipality, and numerous documents and digital materials were seized. Mustafa Günay, who was taken into custody, was arrested by the court and sent to prison. It was learned that statements from some municipal personnel and businesspeople were also taken as part of the investigation.
NEW PROCESS BEGINS AT THE MUNICIPALITY
Following Mustafa Günay's suspension, attention has turned to the new process at the Güzelbahçe Municipality. The Municipal Council is expected to convene in the coming days to elect an acting president. While political circles discuss that the investigation may extend to new names and the file could expand, it was stated that the prosecutor's office is continuing its examination of financial records and zoning files.
ONE OF THE MOST NOTABLE CASES
The investigation into the Güzelbahçe Municipality is considered one of the most notable cases concerning local governments in İzmir recently. Allegations related to construction permits and zoning practices in coastal areas, in particular, are expected to determine the course of the investigation.