19.05.2026 16:40
In the latest operation within the investigation targeting the Beşiktaş Municipality, Bülent Karakaş, known as the "black box" of former Mayor Rıza Akpolat, and his wife Özlem Demir Karakaş were detained while attempting to flee abroad. While it is alleged that Yeşim Akpolat facilitated the couple's escape, who were caught with suitcases, new details have emerged in the investigation.
In the latest wave of operations against the Beşiktaş Municipality on charges of "accepting bribes" and "laundering asset values," Bülent Karakaş, the Beşiktaş Municipality Personnel Services Manager known as Rıza Akpolat's "black box," and his wife, CHP Istanbul Provincial Women's Branch Executive Özlem Demir Karakaş, were detained while attempting to flee abroad.
CAUGHT WITH SUITCASES
The CHP-affiliated Karakaş couple, who were caught trying to flee abroad with suitcases in hand, were allegedly assisted in their escape by Yeşim Akpolat.
ALLEGATION: "ESCAPE ORDER CAME FROM AKPOLAT"
It has been alleged that Rıza Akpolat, who was arrested for a second time in the zoning operation, had been instructing his close circle via his lawyers that a new operation would take place and that they should flee.
Judicial sources note that there are indications Bülent Karakaş was used as a bagman for zoning matters related to the Beşiktaş Municipality; according to the allegations, Rıza Akpolat sent a message saying "Get the person abroad," and that Karakaş was one of those who met with contractors and collected the money.
OPERATION AT BEŞİKTAŞ MUNICIPALITY
In the new operation conducted as part of the investigation into the Beşiktaş Municipality, five people, including former deputy mayor and municipal council members, were detained.
As part of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, teams from the Istanbul Police Department Financial Crimes Branch conducted an operation at the Beşiktaş Municipality. During the operation, former Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Cevdet Çalı, Beşiktaş Municipality Personnel Services Manager Bülent Karakaş, Sarbel Organization Office Worker Özlem Demir Karakaş, former Beşiktaş Municipality CHP Council Member Oylum Işık, and Beşiktaş Municipality CHP Council Member İlker Uluer were detained on charges of 'accepting bribes' and 'laundering asset values from crimes.' Searches conducted at the suspects' homes and offices uncovered numerous digital materials and assets believed to be proceeds of crime, including 90,000 US dollars and 5,000 euros.