Corruption sting nets local mayor

Hurriyet Daily News with wires

According to reports, among the 120 detained were Güzelbahçe Mayor Ertan Evkıran and Değirmendere Mayor Necati Şemsettin Eren, both from the Republican People’s Party, or CHP.

It was reported by the Anatolia news agency that all employees for the Güzelbahçe Municipality were detained. The operation was initiated after a seven-month investigation that followed an Interior Ministry directive. It was noted that more might be taken into custody.

The Interior Ministry had requested an investigation into Avkıran for an abuse of power resulting in the loss of municipality funds and for signing illegal documents.

As he was taken in for questioning, Avkıran said he had no idea why he was being detained, adding that he could answer all charges. It was noted that the detained were charged with forming a criminal gang, bribery and corrupting municipal tenders.