[44791] Wave of arrests in Turkey: Suspicion of money laundering in Antalya Municipality

Extensive enforcement operation against senior officials in Antalya Municipality

In a large-scale enforcement operation in Turkey, dozens of suspects were arrested on April 30, 2026, for involvement in a money laundering case totaling approximately 1.4 billion Turkish Lira. According to reports, TGRT HABER, a channel known for its conservative stance, emphasizes that this is an operation against a money laundering network that caused significant financial "vurgun" (theft/fraud).

At the center of the affair stands the Antalya Municipality. Media channels such as Sondakika Haber Gündem and GündemX report that 34 people were arrested as part of the activity. Among the prominent detainees is Zuhal Böcek, the daughter-in-law of the Mayor of Antalya, Muhittin Böcek.

A Haber, a media outlet identified with the government narrative, reports that the Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for three key suspects, including Zuhal Böcek, and that the investigation is ongoing. Similar reports were verified by Haber Gündem, which notes that the investigation is being managed under the supervision of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

While information regarding the number of detainees varies between reports – some mention 34 detainees and others focus on a smaller group of three individuals around the mayor's daughter-in-law – the media consensus points to a significant political and criminal upheaval in the Antalya Municipality. The affair is not yet over, and further details are expected as the investigation continues.