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Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akin Gurlek on Monday described the ongoing investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) as the “biggest corruption case in a century,” emphasizing that no one has been detained solely based on witness statements.
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Speaking to reporters at the start of the new judicial year, Gurlek said the investigation, launched on March 19, has already led to indictments being filed, six months after the first operation.
"We do not detain anyone solely based on witness testimony. If such a case exists, we release them the next day. We work with the precision of a jeweler’s scale," Gurlek said, highlighting the strict standards applied in the investigation.
Addressing debates over live coverage of the IMM trial, Gurlek said, “There is no law yet allowing live broadcasts, but whether live or closed to the media, all necessary evidence is in our files. We are confident in our case.”
He rejected claims that those cooperating under the “effective repentance” framework are pressured, noting that prosecutors actively protect witnesses. Gurlek cited the case of Ertan Yildiz, whose family received threats after his cooperation, prompting authorities to provide security.
Gurlek noted that some individuals attempted to hide or transfer assets once the operation was known, leading to asset freezes. He also confirmed that international notices have been issued for key figures Murat Gulibrahimoglu and Emrah Bagdatli.
When asked if ongoing reconciliation processes could affect the IMM case, Gurlek stressed that legal procedures follow the law and will continue accordingly.
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