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Turkish main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Bocek has been formally arrested as part of a bribery investigation launched by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, officials said Saturday.
The probe, involving three suspects, centers on two separate bribery allegations. Mayor Bocek and his former daughter-in-law, identified as Z.K., were detained by police, while Bocek’s son, M.G. Bocek—also under a detention order—is currently abroad, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
“In the bribery investigation involving three suspects and two separate incidents, searches, seizures, and detention procedures have been carried out,” the statement noted.
Search operations were conducted by the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch of the Antalya Provincial Security Directorate at the residences of the suspects.
According to the investigation file, during the 2024 local election period, M.G. Bocek allegedly demanded 25 million Turkish liras ($625,000) from a businessman, identified as Y.Y., during a meeting at the latter’s office. When the full amount was not provided, they reportedly agreed on an 8.5 million Turkish liras ($212,500) payment in exchange for vehicle advertising services.
In a separate claim, investigators allege that in February, M.G. Bocek purchased a house worth 30 million liras in the name of his ex-wife, Z.K., from a construction company. The payments for the property were reportedly made in three installments by businessman Y.Y., and bank transactions and payment receipts were documented in reports by Türkiye’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).
Call records also indicated multiple meetings between M.G. Bocek and businessman Y.Y. ahead of the elections.
Following police interrogations and medical checkups, both Muhittin Bocek and Z.K. were referred to court.
Bocek was arrested after giving his statement to the prosecutor. Z.K. was released under judicial control with a travel ban imposed.
In her statement, Z.K. said she was unaware of the financial arrangements behind the apartment purchase, which had been transferred to her through a company as part of a divorce settlement. She also said M.G. Bocek had no regular employment but frequently visited the municipality.
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