Istanbul, June 29, 2026
Photo: tmgrup.com.tr
Turkish authorities have arrested the mayor of Istanbul’s Adalar district and dozens of municipal officials following allegations that they extorted payments from a Greek Orthodox foundation.
The Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating claims that officials from the CHP-run Adalar Municipality demanded money in exchange for occupancy permits and other administrative approvals. According to prosecutors, municipal officials collected nearly TL 3 million ($65,000) from representatives of the Paniya Aya Dimitri Profiti Ilya Greek Orthodox Church and School Foundation on Büyükada, despite the institution’s legal exemption from such fees, reports the Daily Sabah.
Wiretap records in the case file allegedly capture conversations between Deputy Mayor Hüseyin Yılmaz and Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat about collecting the payments. One intercepted exchange dated Jan. 26, 2026, allegedly references the receipt of TL 1.68 million in cash, with further payments subsequently requested.
Prosecutors note that an institution legally exempt from municipal fees was compelled to make payments under the guise of permit charges.
The case file also alleges that officials examined permit matters involving other religious institutions in the district, including the historic Halki Seminary on Heybeliada.
Police detained 42 suspects last week, including Akpolat and Deputy Mayors Yılmaz and Fırat Durak, in an operation targeting 90 locations across four provinces. Following questioning, 39 suspects were referred to court and three released. The court subsequently ordered the arrest of 35 individuals, including the mayor and both deputy mayors, with four others placed under judicial supervision pending trial.
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