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A lawyer was caught red-handed in Türkiye while allegedly demanding a $500,000 bribe to secure the release of popular rapper Lvbel C5, who was jailed on charges of promoting drug use in his songs.
The rapper, whose real name is Suleyman Burak Bodur, was arrested on May 5 and sent to Kandira Prison. Shortly after, his family reportedly met with a judge at the Gebze Courthouse, identified as O.Y., who allegedly directed them to contact a person named E.A.
According to Turkish media, E.A., introduced as a lawyer close to the judge, initially demanded $500,000 to arrange the rapper’s release. When the family declined, E.A. reduced the amount first to $300,000 and then finally to $100,000.
However, the family contacted the Ministry of Justice instead of paying. Authorities then launched a sting operation, instructing the family to proceed as if they would pay.
The Organized Crime Police monitored the meetings, and E.A. was arrested while receiving $50,000 in cash at a restaurant in Cekmekoy, Istanbul.
During the covertly recorded meetings, E.A. reportedly named nearly 15 prosecutors and judges, claiming they were part of a network operating across Istanbul and Izmit. The lawyer also said bribes at Istanbul’s main courthouses could reach up to $800,000, excluding only Buyukcekmece and Kucukcekmece.
At one point, E.A. allegedly made a video call to Judge O.Y., who was reportedly upset about lowering the bribe and said, “These people seem to have a lot of money,” according to recordings.
Following the arrest, E.A. initially denied knowing Judge O.Y., but phone records confirmed multiple conversations between them.
The lawyer argued that his phone had been unlawfully seized and claimed the arrest was not legally valid.
The High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) has opened a formal investigation into Judge O.Y. and other judiciary members allegedly linked to the bribery network.
Lvbel C5, who spent 23 days in prison, was released at his first court hearing. The legal and disciplinary proceedings are ongoing.
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