[78487] Buca Mayor in Turkey arrested on suspicion of large-scale corruption

Buca Mayor in Turkey arrested on suspicion of corruption

Security forces in Turkey launched an extensive operation this morning (June 1, 2026) against the Buca Municipality in Izmir, during which Mayor Görkem Duman was arrested. According to a report by Sputnik Türkiye, the arrests were carried out in coordination with the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and included a large number of additional individuals.

According to a report by A Haber, a media outlet known for its line aligned with the government, the operation is being conducted in six different districts. Authorities issued arrest warrants for 62 suspects on charges of bribery, irregularities in planning and construction, establishing a criminal organization, and employing "ghost employees" (bankamatik personel). Among those arrested, according to Haber Gündem, is also the former mayor, Erhan Kılıç.

In another report from Haber Gündem, it was noted that out of the 62 suspects, 53 are already in custody, three are already incarcerated in prisons, four have fled abroad, and two others are still wanted by authorities within the country.

GündemX and TGRT HABER confirmed the arrest of Duman, who belongs to the opposition CHP party, as part of a broad wave of arrests. So far, no official response has been issued by the municipality or the CHP party regarding the serious allegations.