Trial continues for 65 defendants in Türkiye's Izmir Municipality corruption case

The trial over alleged corruption at Izmir Metropolitan Municipality’s Izbeton continues, with former Mayor Tunc Soyer and Republican and People's Party (CHP) Izmir Provincial Chair Senol Aslanoglu among 65 defendants, 11 of whom remain in custody.

The investigation, launched on July 1, targets 157 individuals, including former Izbeton General Manager Heval Savas Kaya, on charges of “tampering with tenders and performance” and “aggravated fraud.”

Multiple indictments filed

Three separate indictments have been filed:

• Asphalt and construction projects: Alleged irregularities in asphalt paving, road construction, and maintenance projects, accepted by the Izmir 28th Criminal Court, seeking sentences ranging from 3 to 14 years for 44 defendants.
• Machinery and vehicle leasing: Alleged irregularities in service contracts for machinery and vehicles, accepted by the Izmir 17th Criminal Court, seeking 3 to 12 years and 3 months for 56 defendants.
• Coordinated fraud: Alleged coordinated fraud involving public institutions, cooperatives, and company managers, accepted by the Izmir 23rd High Criminal Court, with sentences sought from 3 to 45 years.

Custodial defendants’ statements

Last week, the 11 in-custody defendants, including Soyer, Aslanoglu, and Kaya, gave statements at the Aliaga Penal Institution court hall.

They denied all charges and requested release.

The trial resumes Monday at the Izmir 23rd High Criminal Court, with 54 defendants not in custody scheduled to make their first statements.

After the defendants speak, the victims and attorneys will have the opportunity to present their views.

September 22, 2025 11:51 AM GMT+03:00