Turkish police detain 25 in Etimesgut municipal corruption investigation

Two deputy municipal heads and five municipal employees were among those detained in simultaneous operations across five provinces.

The Ankara West chief prosecutor's office said the investigation concerned alleged irregularities in municipal tenders, forged documents and benefits obtained through zoning and permit procedures. Anadolu reported the statement. The organised crime investigation bureau is handling the case.

Anadolu identified the deputy municipal heads only by the initials G.B. and F.G. The suspected offences include establishing or leading a criminal organisation, membership in such an organisation, embezzlement, bribery, abuse of office to extort benefits, and interference with tenders and contract execution.

Ankara police were continuing searches, seizures and procedures to refer the suspects to prosecutors. DHA also reported the detentions on October 13. The allegations remain under investigation and do not constitute a judicial finding of guilt against those detained.