cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/38888616

Archive: https://archive.md/SgN65

An indictment has been completed against 402 people, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, accusing them of being part of a criminal organization. The 3,900-page document alleges that the structure, referred to as the “İmamoğlu Interest-Driven Criminal Organization,” caused a public loss of 160 billion Turkish Lira and 24 million dollars.

For his alleged role as the leader, prosecutors have requested a prison sentence for İmamoğlu ranging from 828 to 2,352 years. He is personally charged with 143 criminal acts, including founding a criminal organization, bribery, fraud, and money laundering. […] The indictment repeatedly uses the phrase “like the tentacles of an octopus,” a metaphor originally used by President Erdoğan, to describe the group’s reach.

The document claims the organization was established to take over the CHP party and create a fund for İmamoğlu’s presidential candidacy. It alleges that the ring used irregular tenders, zoning permits, and other municipal processes to generate illicit revenue for both personal enrichment and political goals. […] In total, 99 individuals are formally accused of membership in the criminal organization.

Beyond İmamoğlu, other mayors and officials are named, with specific accusations of bribery, extortion, and tender rigging. The investigation also targets journalists, accusing them of knowingly aiding the organization through favorable media coverage. […] The indictment includes statements from 76 individuals who benefited from active repentance and 15 secret witnesses.