Eleven Detained In Turkish Tax Bribery Probe

A fourth wave of operations has been launched in an ongoing bribery investigation targeting the head of the tax inspection board. Turkish authorities conducted a new operation in Istanbul targeting a bribery investigation involving tax inspectors. Eleven suspects were taken into custody as part of the investigation led by the Büyükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The probe originally began in 2024 following allegations of corruption among tax officials. New evidence has been uncovered linking several inspectors to bribery offenses. Police conducted raids on 12 locations, including eight nightclubs and four businesses, in Istanbul's Kadıköy district. Authorities detained 89 suspects during the operations targeting drug sales and distribution. Following judicial proceedings, 75 suspects were arrested while 14 were released under judicial control. Police are currently searching for 19 remaining suspects. Investigators also identified street dealers operating within and around these establishments. One suspect, Yasin Örstehmir of Adara, stated he provided bank account details to childhood friends in 2022 under the impression they were for safe keeping. Some tax inspectors allegedly conspired with company owners to avoid penalties in exchange for payments.