Suspect in 'organized crime’, ‘corruption’ probe in Istanbul apprehended with hefty sum of cash

Investigators also reveal that Emrah Bagdatli, one of the suspects of corruption probe, and alleged advisor to IBB Media Inc. Chairman Murat Ongun, fled Türkiye two weeks ago

Businessman Ali Nuhoglu, one of the suspects in sweeping corruption probe involving Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 99 others on charges of bribery, fraud and organized crime, among others, was apprehended Wednesday in Istanbul with 40 million Turkish lira ($1.05 million) in cash. The investigation covers a wide range of accusations including “leading a criminal organization,” “membership in a criminal organization,” “bribery,” “extortion,” “aggravated fraud,” “unlawful acquisition of personal data” and “bid-rigging in public tenders,” said prosecutors. Besides these charges, in addition to Imamoglu, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Deputy Secretary-General Mahir Polat and Sisli District Mayor Resul Emrah Sahan are accused of “aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization.” Authorities said that Nuhoglu, who previously came to the fore with the controversial sale of three luxury villas to Imamoglu at a fraction of their market value, was caught with millions in cash at his residence. Fugitive suspect fled abroad, left his phone at home Investigators also revealed that Emrah Bagdatli, a suspect tied to the probe and an alleged advisor to IBB Media Inc. Chairman Murat Ongun, fled Türkiye two weeks ago. Records show that Bagdatli secured over 60 tenders through IBB Media Inc. from 2022 to 2024, as well as multiple contracts from municipal companies KIPTAS and Kultur AS. Authorities found he had established numerous advertising agencies under the names of nearly 35 of his employees, many of which shared addresses and coordinated bids to the same tenders. Police tracking Bagdatli discovered he attempted to mislead them by purchasing a plane ticket for a flight to Houston, Texas in the US on March 6. However, he abandoned his phone at home to avoid surveillance and escaped via the Ipsala Border Gate by car on March 5 at 6.38 p.m. local time.   87 suspects detained in corruption probe As part of the wider probe, authorities have detained 87 suspects, including four out of seven individuals accused of aiding the PKK/KCK terror group. ​​​​​​​ Three remain fugitives. In the organized crime case, 83 suspects have been detained, while 10 others, including seven believed to be out of country, remain at large.