22.06.2026 23:31
19 suspects detained in a bribery operation targeting the Silifke Municipality in Mersin appeared before a judge. Among them, 9 people, including Mayor Mustafa Turgut, were arrested. Other suspects were released under judicial supervision.
In the bribery operation, Silifke Mayor Mustafa Turgut and 9 others were arrested.
OPERATION AT SILIFKE MUNICIPALITY
Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Silifke Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a study was initiated following allegations that some public officials working at Silifke Municipality and contractors doing business with the municipality committed crimes of bribery, forming and managing an organization for criminal purposes, being a member of an organization, bid rigging, performance fraud, and misuse of office. In line with the reports received within the framework of the investigation, evidence obtained through MASAK reports, bank transactions, HTS and PTS records, and communication surveillance measures was examined.
It was also stated that in statements given by some suspects to benefit from the provisions of effective remorse, it was alleged that various benefits were demanded from contractors doing business with the municipality in exchange for progress payments, money was handed over to certain individuals and officials, irregularities were carried out in some purchases made through the direct procurement method, and fraudulent transactions were conducted in municipality-related organizations.
In the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office statement, it was noted that many issues in the statements given within the scope of effective remorse were found to be supported by HTS and PTS records, bank transactions, MASAK reports, and other material evidence. Within the scope of the investigation, a simultaneous operation was conducted in Silifke on June 19. In searches carried out at the suspects' residences, vehicles, workplaces, Silifke Municipality building, and Silifke Belediyespor Club building, numerous mobile phones, computers, hard drives, and digital materials, documents related to tender and zoning procedures, ready-to-use company stamps, stamped and sealed bid letters and bid envelopes, and large amounts of foreign currency were seized.
9 PEOPLE INCLUDING THE MAYOR ARRESTED
Within the scope of the investigation, actions were taken against a total of 19 suspects. Nine of the suspects were referred to the Criminal Court of Peace with a request for arrest, and 10 with a request for judicial control. As a result of the evaluation by the court, 9 suspects, including Silifke Mayor Mustafa Turgut, Silifke Belediyespor Club President Sait O., Deputy Mayor Ezgi E. D., Private Secretary Ersin S., Inventory Officer Erdoğan G., festival organization contractor Erman F.K., Şerife Y., and Osman Y., were arrested. Judicial control decisions were made for the other suspects.
It was reported that the investigation is being conducted in a multifaceted manner.