Üsküdar mayor among six detained in corruption probe
The mayor of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district, Sinem Dedetaş, was detained on July 29 along with five others as part of an expanding corruption investigation into alleged bribery and extortion linked to construction permits.
The detentions came during simultaneous raids on 11 locations across Istanbul. Authorities said those detained included Dedetaş, Deputy Mayor Ceyhun Ünlü, executive assistant Alihan Koçoğlu, architect Burçin Çevik, business consultant Adem Altıntaş and contractor Bülent Orhan Tozkoparan.
Prosecutors said investigators seized numerous digital devices during searches of their homes and Üsküdar Municipality offices.
The investigation was launched following complaints alleging irregularities in the issuance of construction and occupancy permits, statements from alleged victims and testimony provided by suspects cooperating under remorse provisions.
