Three Arrested in Üsküdar Municipality Permit Investigation

Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office detained three suspects on September 2 as part of an investigation into alleged bribery and corruption in Üsküdar Municipality's building permit processes. Deputy Mayor Amine Cansu Çelik, Building Permit Director Burak Aydın, and contractor Erdem Koyunyerli were referred to court after police questioning.

A Criminal Court of Peace ordered the arrest of all three suspects on September 5. Another deputy mayor, Mithat Özdemir, who was also detained, was released under judicial control. The investigation focuses on claims that municipal staff and Kent AŞ personnel coordinated permit approvals through encrypted communications.

Financial crime unit MASAK identified consulting contracts worth 1,078,870 lira between Kent AŞ and contractors, through which 361,392,264 lira was allegedly channeled. Prosecutors also suspect dollar-denominated bribes were paid for large construction projects. Mayor Sinem Dedetaş was previously arrested on July 31 on similar charges.

The case follows a contested municipal election on August 5 after Dedetaş's removal. CHP officials have described the operation as politically motivated, while prosecutors maintain the investigation is based on concrete evidence and whistleblower reports.