04.08.2026 21:30
In the investigation into zoning and permit procedures at the Menderes Municipality, audio recordings analyzed by experts were added to the case file. In two recordings totaling approximately 41 minutes, moments are captured where a bribe demand of 500,000 liras was negotiated, the amount was reduced to 250,000 liras, and they discussed how to proceed with the permit processes.
Audio recordings related to an alleged bribery negotiation, said to have been conducted over zoning and permit procedures at the municipality in the Menderes district of Izmir, have been added to the investigation file. In the two recordings, approximately 41 minutes in total, analyzed by an expert, there are conversations about a bribe demand of 500 thousand liras, negotiations to lower the amount, and how the permit procedures would be expedited.
MONEY NEGOTIATIONS IN THE RECORDINGS IN THE FILE
The two audio recordings found on a flash drive submitted to the prosecutor's office by the complainant, Harun Karakaya, were analyzed by an expert. According to the report in the investigation file, one of the recordings lasts 18 minutes 38 seconds, and the other lasts 22 minutes 40 seconds.
It was noted that some parts of the recordings could not be understood due to background noise, low volume, and the speakers being far from the recording device.
In the first recording, while the permit and loan process were being discussed, striking statements were made regarding the payment amount.
It was seen that Male Voice 2 said, "I'm thinking of your best interest. If he gives 500 thousand liras, my announcement fee will cover the 400." In response, Male Voice 1 replied, "No way, our money has truly run out."
In the same conversation, it was recorded that sending the person who would make the payment to the municipality was discussed, and evaluations were made on how and through whom the money could be given.
"REDUCED FROM 500 TO 250"
In the second audio recording, it was seen that the negotiation over the payment amount continued.
In the recording, where Male Voice 1 stated that he and his brother were considering paying 250 thousand liras each, it was expressed that the requested amount was considered too high.
The conversation included statements such as, "Sir, I currently have two movable properties. I also spoke with my brother. He told me, 'Let me give 250 from myself and 250 from you; when we complete this deal while getting the Gendarmerie permit, we can pull ourselves together and pay it."
In another section, it was reported that the payment amount was objected to with the words "The amount is too high," and in response, the answer "I'm telling you what I last said" was given.
PERMIT, HOUSE NUMBERING, AND LOAN DISCUSSIONS
In the audio recordings, it was seen that not only money negotiations but also the details of the zoning and permit process were discussed.
During the conversations, building permits, house numbering certificates, the DASK system, and bank loans came up, and problems experienced with loan usage after the completion of the permit procedures were mentioned.
In the recording, it was noted that Male Voice 1 said, "These people can't even get a loan once the permit is issued. They don't give DASK from the inside. The DASK system has changed," and Male Voice 2 made an assessment regarding the banks' unwillingness to provide money.
It was also reflected in the recordings that the parties discussed at what stage the permits would be issued.
"LET'S PAY THE FEES, LET'S OPEN IT FOR SIGNATURES"
The expert report also included statements regarding the acceleration of the permit procedures.
In the recordings, it was reported that Male Voice 1 brought up opening the procedures for signatures once the engineers arrived, and Male Voice 2 asked whether this could be done before the fee transactions were completed.
In the continuation of the conversation, it was stated that the phrase "Then let's open the 3rd" was used, and in response, the answer "No problem" was given.
WHATSAPP IMAGES ALSO IN THE FILE
It was reported that within the scope of the investigation, the flash drive examined contained two WhatsApp screenshots in addition to the two audio recordings.
It was noted that in the file, Harun Karakaya is listed as the complainant, while the suspect section includes the phrase "perpetrator unknown." It was recorded that the investigation is being conducted within the scope of the crimes of "bribery" and "misconduct in public office," and that the audio recordings analyzed by the expert and the WhatsApp images were added to the file as evidence.
The prosecutor's office continues its examination regarding the investigation.