24.06.2026 10:41
The final state of the luxury villa in Üsküdar Vaniköy, one of the most popular spots on the Bosphorus, which is claimed to belong to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and has caused controversy due to its renovation work, was captured from the air. The structure, which has been the subject of illegal construction debates, was seen to be completed.
The pearl of the Bosphorus, Üsküdar Vaniköy, that luxury villa that once dominated Turkey's agenda with allegations of illegal construction and restoration activities, is back in the spotlight. The latest state of the structure, which pitted the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) administration against the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and became the subject of deepening investigations, was captured by a drone camera.
FINAL STATE OF THE ILLEGAL VILLA CAPTURED FROM THE AIR
In the luxury villa, which draws attention with its location dominating the bridge view and its plot situated in the middle of a vast wooded area, it was observed that the lengthy controversial renovations have been largely completed. The aerial footage revealed the final state of the structure in the Bosphorus foresight zone.
BRIBE ALLEGATION IN CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
The villa in question is not only linked to zoning debates but also to ongoing political and legal processes. The statements of CHP member T.E., who was heard as a witness within the scope of the corruption investigation against suspended IMM President Ekrem İmamoğlu, had turned the spotlight back onto this structure. Witness T.E. claimed that large amounts of bribes were paid to the municipality for the illegal structures rising in some villas in Vaniköy. Additionally, allegations that the then-IMM President Ekrem İmamoğlu directly gave orders during this illegal construction process were also included in the case file.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT HAD INTERVENED
The process regarding the illegal structure had also turned into a jurisdictional crisis between institutions in 2024. Following related complaints and allegations, teams from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change took action and conducted detailed inspections in the area on August 22, 2024. During the inspections, it was determined that unauthorized construction activities had been initiated with the municipality's permission, and the construction work was halted by the authorities.
FROM ADNAN OKTAR TO ROMAN ABRAMOVICH
The luxury mansion, whose past is as controversial as its present, was used for many years by organized crime leader Adnan Oktar. After the operations against the criminal organization, the property changed hands, and it was reflected in the public that the structure was later purchased by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, and these massive-budget renovations were carried out on his behalf.