Izmit (HRNW)- The mayor of Izmit Municipality in Turkey’s Kocaeli province, Fatma Kaplan Hürriyet, has been arrested along with her husband, Murat Hürriyet, as part of a corruption investigation, according to media reports.
Reports said arrest warrants have been issued for 31 people, including the mayor and her husband. Police searched the Izmit Municipality building and the mayor’s residence, while simultaneous operations were carried out in Antalya, Karaköy, Izmit, Istanbul, and Ankara.
The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, is examining several municipal tenders based on statements from suspects and information provided by confidential witnesses.
According to the investigation file, there are alleged family links between companies awarded municipal contracts, their owners, and municipal officials. Authorities also claim that the mayor’s husband played a direct role in tender procedures, recruitment, and appointments.
The detainees face allegations of forming a criminal organization, accepting bribes, and interfering in public tenders.
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