27.06.2026 11:57
In the investigation regarding the abduction of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Kültür AŞ Deputy General Manager Erhan Karaal from in front of his home in Maltepe, 10 suspects detained have been sent to court with a request for arrest. New security camera footage related to the incident revealed that the suspects had placed a tracking device (GPS) in Karaal's vehicle four days before the abduction by a former İBB employee.
Striking details have emerged in the extensive investigation into the abduction of Erhan Karaal, Deputy General Manager of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Culture AŞ, from in front of his home in Maltepe district on Wednesday, June 17. As the suspects' procedures at the police station have been completed, it has come to light how the incident was planned and organized step by step.
GPS TRACKING 4 DAYS BEFORE THE ABDUCTION
Security camera footage newly included in the investigation file proved that the incident was not an ordinary criminal case but part of a meticulously crafted plan. According to the footage, the suspects secretly placed a tracking device on Erhan Karaal's vehicle to monitor his every move.
Detailed technical examinations revealed that the tracking device (GPS) was installed on Karaal's car exactly 4 days before the abduction.
ALLEGED FORMER IBB EMPLOYEE CAUGHT ON CAMERA
In the footage recorded second by second by security cameras on the street where the incident occurred, a person exhibiting suspicious movements is seen first carefully observing the area around Karaal's vehicle, then bending down to attach the tracking device to the underside of the car after ensuring no one was around.
This suspect, who was identified as having arrived in the area with another vehicle before the incident, is alleged to be a former IBB employee. Law enforcement is thoroughly investigating this critical connection.
ARRESTS SOUGHT FOR 10 SUSPECTS ON 'ROBBERY' CHARGES
Interrogation and statement procedures at the police station have concluded for the 10 suspects taken into custody as part of the meticulous investigation led by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
The suspects, who organized and executed the kidnapping plan reminiscent of movie scenes, were transferred to the Anatolian Justice Palace under heavy security. The prosecutor's office referred all suspects to the duty magistrate's court on charges of "robbery by blocking the road" and with a request for their arrest. The court's decision regarding the suspects is awaited.