Corruption and bribery operation in Çukurova Municipality

44 suspects were detained in a planned operation carried out by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office within the scope of the investigation into allegations of irregularities in tenders, direct supplies and progress payments made in Çukurova Municipality.

According to the statement made by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was determined that there were irregularities in the direct procurement and tender processes carried out in the municipality, and that the exception provision of the Public Procurement Law was used contrary to the legislation in the purchases made through the joint stock company affiliated with the municipality.

In addition, upon allegations that contractors receiving work from the municipality received bribes in exchange for progress payments and that some personnel received salaries even though they did not actually go to work; A multifaceted investigation was launched for the crimes of "establishing, managing and becoming a member of an organization for the purpose of committing a crime", "bribery", "qualified fraud" and "tender rigging".

Within the scope of the operation; 44 suspects, including the current Çukurova Mayor Emrah Kozay, former Mayor Soner Çetin (CHP Deputy Secretary General) and 4 current deputy mayors, were detained.

It was reported that among those detained were 4 contractor company officials/tradesmen who received work from the municipality, a relative of the current mayor, a manager of a joint-stock company affiliated with the municipality, and municipal staff who allegedly received salaries without going to work.

Efforts are continuing to capture the other 7 suspects for whom detention warrants are issued.

Source: TRT Haber Açık RSS (Gündem) (Open Press / Translated Full Text)