Corruption trial against Istanbul mayor postponed to November 5

The corruption investigation into Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was removed from his post as Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and arrested, has been completed. A 3,809-page indictment was prepared on November 11, 2025.

The indictment accuses İmamoğlu, described as the "leader of the organization," of crimes including establishing an organization to commit crimes, bribery, money laundering, fraud against public institutions, and personal data violations.

“I do not remember the tender documents from that period exactly, but I can mention one, for example domestic peat procurement, but I could not fully remember the tender number.”

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence ranging from 828 years and 2 months to 2,352 years for İmamoğlu due to 142 actions.

A secret witness named Gürgen, connected to the hearing via the SEGBIS system with voice and image altered, testified about Tamer Gümüş founding Sarıç Fidancılık in 2021 and purchases involving imported and domestic plants and tulip bulbs.

The judge asked Gürgen whether he had documents when giving his statement about approximately 104 million TL in work received by Ağaç A.Ş. in 2024 and a 15 million TL payment for construction in Ümraniye through Mengiroğlu İnşaat.

Gürgen replied that he did not fully remember the tender documents from that period but could mention one, such as domestic peat procurement, though he could not fully recall the tender number.

When asked about Ümit Polat, Gürgen stated that Polat is the procurement director and knows companies and the sector well because of his position.