Red Notice Issued for Istanbul Corruption Case Fugitive by Authorities

September 1, 2025

Istanbul, Türkiye – Turkish law enforcement has issued an international Red Notice for Murat Gülibrahimoğlu, escalating a sprawling investigation into alleged corruption within teh Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB). The progress, reported by turkish media outlets Monday, comes as scrutiny intensifies on Mayor Ekrem imamoğlu and his administration.

Corruption Allegations at the Heart of the Probe

The investigation centers around accusations of systemic corruption, alleging that individuals connected to the IBB accepted bribes from business owners in exchange for favorable permitting decisions. A prior Red Notice had been issued for another suspect, Emrah Bağdatlı, as part of the same investigation, signaling a determined effort to pursue all leads. the probe remains actively ongoing.

Mayor Imamoğlu finds himself at the center of the accusations, with prosecutors claiming he presided over a “criminal network” facilitating illicit transactions. Evidence suggests the alleged network utilized its influence to solicit bribes, potentially influencing crucial municipal decisions.

campaign Funding Concerns

Investigators are also examining claims that funds obtained through these alleged bribes were earmarked to support Imamoğlu’s prospective presidential campaign. Several cooperating witnesses,leveraging provisions for effective remorse,have reportedly provided detailed accounts alleging a deliberate scheme to channel illicit funds into his political endeavors.

Expanding Investigation and Recent Arrests

This case follows earlier investigations into other municipalities governed by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), resulting in several mayoral detentions last year. However, the IBB, headed by the prominent Mayor Imamoğlu, has garnered particularly intense attention, especially following his arrest in March, shortly before his potential candidacy for the presidency was announced.

authorities have expanded the probe to encompass additional business dealings and municipal contracts. These operations have led to the arrest of numerous municipal officials and mayors from CHP-controlled districts.The investigative efforts stemmed from the testimony of Aziz Ihsan Aktaş, a businessman who allegedly benefited from preferential treatment in securing municipal tenders through bribery.

Key Individuals and Evidence

Aktaş’s confessions directly implicated 47 individuals – including high-ranking IBB staff and five district mayors – resulting in arrest warrants. Currently, 22 suspects, including five mayors, remain in custody. Court documents accuse Aktaş of orchestrating a criminal enterprise involving bribery, contract rigging, and money laundering. Assets linked to Aktaş’s businesses have been seized, and restrictions have been placed on his financial holdings.

Initially denying the charges, Aktaş later provided detailed testimonies on April 30 and May 11, outlining the alleged manipulation of municipal tenders through a network of bribes and coercion. His testimony has been instrumental in subsequent operations targeting CHP-affiliated districts, culminating in the arrests of Beşiktaş mayor Rıza Akpolat and Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer. Aktaş was recently released from house arrest after cooperating with investigators.

Suspect	Status	allegations
Murat Gülibrahimoğlu	Red Notice Issued	Corruption, Bribery
Emrah Bağdatlı	Red Notice Issued	Corruption, Bribery
Ekrem Imamoğlu	Under Investigation	Leading a “Criminal Network”, Misuse of funds
Aziz Ihsan Aktaş	Released (Cooperating Witness)	Bribery, Contract Rigging, Money Laundering

Understanding Red Notices

An Interpol Red Notice is an international request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant but serves as an alert to law enforcement agencies globally. Learn more about Interpol Red Notices.

Did You Know? Türkiye has been actively utilizing Interpol Red Notices in recent years to pursue individuals suspected of financial crimes and political offenses.

Pro Tip: Following a Red Notice,the suspect’s ability to travel internationally is severely restricted,and they face potential arrest in any participating country.

Frequently asked Questions

• What is the primary focus of the Istanbul Municipality corruption investigation? The investigation centers on allegations of bribery and corruption related to municipal permits and contracts.
• What role is Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu playing in the investigation? Mayor Imamoğlu is accused of leading a criminal network involved in the alleged corruption.
• What is the importance of the Red Notices issued in this case? Red Notices signal an international effort to locate and arrest the suspects.
• What are the potential consequences for those implicated in the scandal? Individuals found guilty could face significant prison sentences and financial penalties.
• How might this investigation impact Turkish politics? The investigation could have notable ramifications for the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the upcoming presidential elections.

What are yoru thoughts on the implications of this case for turkish politics? Do you beleive this investigation is politically motivated?

What are the potential legal consequences for the fugitive if apprehended?

Understanding the Red notice & International Arrest Warrant

A red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of Turkish authorities signals a significant escalation in a high-profile Istanbul corruption case. This isn’t an arrest warrant itself, but a globally distributed alert to 195 member countries, requesting thier assistance in locating and potentially arresting a fugitive. The individual subject to this international arrest warrant is currently being sought for alleged involvement in a complex scheme of financial crimes and public sector corruption.

The Allegations: Details of the istanbul Corruption Scandal

The fugitive, whose name is being withheld pending further official confirmation, is accused of participating in a network that allegedly engaged in:

Bribery: Accepting illicit payments to influence government contracts and regulatory decisions.

Money laundering: Concealing the origins of illegally obtained funds through complex financial transactions.

Fraud: Deceptive practices related to land development permits within Istanbul.

Abuse of Power: Utilizing official positions for personal gain and to obstruct justice.

The inquiry, led by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office, has uncovered evidence suggesting a systematic pattern of corruption within local government. initial reports indicate the scheme involved millions of Turkish Lira and impacted several key infrastructure projects. Turkish financial crimes units have been working tirelessly to trace the flow of funds.

INTERPOL’s Role and the Red Notice Process

INTERPOL’s Red Notice system is a critical tool in international law enforcement. here’s how it works:

1. Request Submission: Turkish authorities submitted a detailed request to INTERPOL, including evidence supporting the allegations against the fugitive.
2. Legality Review: INTERPOL’s legal experts review the request to ensure it complies with INTERPOL’s constitution and international law. Red Notices are not issued for politically motivated charges.
3. Notice Publication: Once approved, the Red Notice is disseminated to all INTERPOL member countries.
4. National Implementation: Each country then uses its own legal frameworks to determine how to act on the notice. This could range from immediate arrest to further investigation.

The INTERPOL database is a vital resource for coordinating international police cooperation. A Red Notice Interpol alert doesn’t guarantee extradition, as that depends on bilateral treaties between countries.

Impact on International Travel & Asset recovery

The issuance of a Red Notice severely restricts the fugitive’s ability to travel internationally. Any attempt to cross borders using a passport matching the individual’s details will likely result in detention and potential extradition proceedings.

Furthermore, the investigation is actively pursuing asset recovery. Authorities are working to identify and seize any assets acquired through illicit means, both within Turkey and abroad. This includes:

Real estate holdings

Bank accounts

Luxury vehicles

Investments

Asset forfeiture is a key component of combating corruption and deterring future criminal activity.

Previous Cases & Trends in Turkish Corruption Investigations

turkey has seen a number of high-profile corruption investigations in recent years. In 2013, a similar scandal involving allegations of bribery and illicit financial dealings led to the resignation of several government ministers. More recently, investigations have focused on tender fraud in public procurement processes.

This latest case highlights a continued commitment by Turkish authorities to tackle organized crime and white-collar crime. The use of INTERPOL Red Notices demonstrates a willingness to pursue fugitives across international borders. Istanbul investigations are frequently enough complex, involving intricate financial networks.

Legal Ramifications for the Fugitive

If apprehended and extradited to Turkey, the fugitive faces a range of potential penalties, including:

Lengthy prison sentences

substantial fines

Confiscation of assets

A permanent criminal record

The specific charges and penalties will depend on the evidence presented during the trial and the applicable Turkish laws. The fugitive will have the right to legal representation and a fair trial. Criminal defense lawyers specializing in financial crimes will likely be involved.

Resources for Further Details

INTERPOL: https://www.interpol.int/

Turkish Ministry of Justice: https://www.adalet.gov.tr/ (Turkish language)

Reuters: (Search for “Turkey corruption” on Reuters.com for related news coverage)

Associated Press: (Search for “Turkey corruption” on APNews.com for related news coverage)