The Ministry filed a criminal complaint regarding the illegal villa in Vaniköy, Istanbul.

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has filed a criminal complaint regarding the structure located in Vaniköy Neighborhood of Üsküdar district in Istanbul, in the Bosphorus Preview Zone.

In the statement made by the Ministry, it was reminded that as a result of the examination conducted in Vaniköy Neighborhood in Üsküdar district by the teams, it was determined that the construction permit document was not submitted and the construction activity was carried out without a permit, and the construction was stopped by the ministry.

The statement included the following expressions:

"The mentioned structure has caused urban pollution and has been reported to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office by our Ministry for the crimes of 'Causing damage to Registered Site Areas, Protected Cultural-Natural Assets and Conservation Areas'. The process is being closely monitored. Respectfully announced to the public."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Upon the notification that unauthorized construction was carried out in the Bosphorus Preview Zone in Vaniköy, Üsküdar, the teams of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Provincial Directorate went to the region yesterday and conducted inspections. As a result of the examination conducted by the ministry teams, it was determined that the unauthorized construction was initiated with the permission of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), and then the construction was stopped.

In the statement made by the IMM, it was stated that applications were made by the owners of the legal structures to obtain repair and renovation permits, and it was stated that "As a result of the inspections, a simple repair permit certificate was issued in accordance with the legislation. However, it was determined that additional wooden and prefabricated structures were being built without applying for a strengthening permit, which is outside the scope of the simple repair permit, and that they were being built on legal structures."

The statement stated that "On August 16, 2024, a building vacation report was prepared, and the construction was sealed and suspended, and a criminal complaint was filed with the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office." Meanwhile, the workers removed from the site during the inspection stated to the press members that they were not informed that the construction had been sealed before and that they continued their work until the inspection.