Arrest warrants have been issued for 68 suspects, including deputy mayors and council members, as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the purchase of goods and services by the Bakırköy Municipality in Istanbul, Turkey, and claims that business owners were asked to pay bribes when applying for workplace permits.
“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that the information was published by TRT Haber.
According to a statement from the Bakırköy District Prosecutor’s Office, investigators examined alleged irregularities in municipal tenders for goods and services that caused losses to the state. The investigation found that business owners seeking workplace operating permits were unlawfully asked to pay money, while the applications of those who refused were deliberately delayed.
The investigation covered 42 cases, according to the report.
The Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command’s Department for Combating Smuggling and Organized Crime was instructed to carry out operations to apprehend the 68 suspects, detain them, take their statements, conduct searches and seize items.
