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Turkish authorities appointed a trustee to broadcaster Halk TV early Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation, while police searched the channel’s headquarters in Istanbul, Turkish media reported.
Financial Crimes Investigation Department officers searched the building in the Zeytinburnu district for evidence, while riot police secured the surrounding area. The operation also disrupted the channel’s television broadcasts.
The investigation involves allegations of bid rigging, bribery and money laundering. Authorities issued detention orders for 17 people, including Halk TV board chairman Cafer Mahiroglu, who is also wanted in a separate case.
Mahiroglu was previously investigated over alleged interference in public tender procedures. Prosecutors launched a separate probe into him based on statements by Turkish businessman Aziz Ihsan Aktas and subsequent inquiries. An arrest warrant was issued for Mahiroglu in June 2025 after authorities determined he was abroad.
Aktas is under investigation for alleged offenses including leading a criminal organization, rigging public tenders, bribery, money laundering and tax violations. His statements have also featured in the case against Mahiroglu, who has denied knowing the businessman and disputed the allegations against him.
In a post on X early Wednesday, Mahiroglu blamed former CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his allies for the operation, writing: "The CHP leader Kilicdaroglu and his team can be happy. Police on Halk TV."
The remarks came amid an escalating dispute between Mahiroglu and Kilicdaroglu, who has repeatedly criticized the broadcaster and its owner in recent days. Last week, Mahiroglu accused Kilicdaroglu of targeting Halk TV after the former party leader questioned the channel’s coverage and called on the media regulator to examine its broadcasts.
Kilicdaroglu returned to the leadership of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in May 2026 following a court ruling challenging the party’s 2023 congress, deepening an internal power struggle with supporters of his successor, Ozgur Ozel.
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