03.06.2025 23:23
The indictment regarding Mayor Hasan Akgün and Deputy Mayor Ömer Kazancı, who are requested to be arrested as part of the investigation into Büyükçekmece Municipality, has been obtained. In the document, it is noted that the suspects made unjust demands from business owners, particularly regarding zoning issues, and that they pressured those applying for permits to make so-called donations to the municipality's basketball team.
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In the investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it has been determined that relatives of the mayor are managing excavation works in Büyükçekmece, a densely constructed area, profiting by dumping excavated materials in illegal areas and abusing their influence. The investigation continues against suspects, including Büyükçekmece Mayor Hasan Akgün and Deputy Mayor Kazancı.
THE PROSECUTOR'S LETTER REGARDING AKGÜN AND HIS ASSISTANT HAS EMERGED
In this context, after the statement procedures at the Istanbul Courthouse, the prosecutor's letter regarding the detention requests for Akgün and Kazancı has been obtained.
"THEY COERCED TO MAKE SO-CALLED DONATIONS"
In the letter, it was noted that the suspects made unjust demands from business owners, especially regarding zoning issues in Büyükçekmece, and coerced applicants to make so-called donations to a basketball team chaired by Osman Yeşilgül, who is alleged to be the treasurer of Hasan Akgün, during the construction permit phase.
"THEY DID NOT ISSUE PERMITS AND OCCUPANCY TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ACCEPT THEIR DEMANDS"
The letter stated that during the occupancy phase, the suspects forced applicants to accept apartments and villas, and those who did not accept their demands were not issued permits and occupancy, and their applications were delayed.
"HE USED LOWER-LEVEL PERSONNEL TO AVOID RESPONSIBILITY"
The letter indicated that Akgün did not meet with business owners, and that the zoning director or deputy mayor conducted the meetings. It was noted that Akgün communicated his demands to the relevant parties through lower-level personnel to avoid responsibility. The letter reminded that the previous deputy mayor responsible for zoning was arrested for similar issues, and that this person fled after being released and is still at large.
"THEY PROFITED BY ABUSING AKGÜN'S INFLUENCE IN EXCAVATION AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS"
The letter stated that Akgün's relatives profited by using Akgün's influence in various areas, especially in excavation and construction works in the district, and that there are many illegal dumping sites in the district, with the mentioned individuals being among the main perpetrators. It was noted that Akgün's son-in-law, suspect Eray Kurt, is at large, and that villas have been purchased from the constructions in the region, with strong suspicions that these sales, although shown as sales, are merely nominal.
"HE EXPRESSED FEARS FOR HIS PERSONAL SAFETY"
The letter stated, "At this stage of the investigation, it has been observed that many business owners, fearing that the suspect would misuse his powers as mayor against them, have not been able to share their experiences. Indeed, the suspect Mansur Aslan, whose statement was taken, came to our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on June 2 and expressed concerns for his personal safety."
"THEY DIRECTED TO FIRMS THEY WORKED WITH BY NOT CONSTRUCTING ROADS UNDER THE MUNICIPALITY'S AUTHORITY"
The letter indicated that Akgün and Kazancı abused the powers granted by their public office to exert pressure on business owners, aiming to gain financial benefits by delaying or rejecting requests. In this context, they coerced donations and sponsorships to the basketball team, and directed to firms they worked with by not constructing roads under the municipality's authority, stating that this firm belongs to suspect Ali Nuhoğlu, who did not construct the roads despite the agreement. The letter noted that business owners did not even seek their rights and had to construct the roads themselves.
STRONG SUSPICION OF CRIME
The letter recorded that there is strong suspicion that the suspects committed the crimes of 'receiving bribes' and 'extortion by coercion', and that there are strong reasons based on concrete evidence that they would exert pressure on those who have given or will give statements if they are released.
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