Corruption Investigation Unveils Shocking Testimony of Businessman Ali Nuhoğlu
The ongoing corruption investigation centered around the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) has taken a dramatic turn following the release of businessman Ali Nuhoğlu’s testimony. At the heart of this controversy, Nuhoğlu’s statements reveal complex interactions with various entities linked to İBB, shedding light on alleged corrupt practices within the municipal administration.
Nuhoğlu, who was apprehended on March 19 during operations targeting İBB, was arrested on March 23. Following the investigation, both of his construction firms, Nuhoğlu İnşaat and Trend İnşaat , were seized on March 25. His testimony spans two sessions on June 1 and June 4 under the conditions of effective remorse .
Insights from Ali Nuhoğlu’s Testimony on June 1
In his first testimony on June 1, Nuhoğlu disclosed, “I previously testified to your Republican Chief Prosecutor’s Office . In light of the current circumstances and the allegations against me, I am here with my lawyer to disclose everything openly.” He elaborated on his dealings related to two villas located in Sarıyer , emphasizing the controversial transfer to İmamoğlu İnşaat.
Nuhoğlu recounted a phone call he received from Tuncay Yılmaz , General Director of İmamoğlu İnşaat, who said, “We want to acquire this property for Ekrem İmamoğlu , but we currently lack the liquidity. Once we sell our properties, we will buy these villas through your company.”
He further noted, “I mentioned to Yılmaz that my company’s cash flow was not in good shape, and he assured me that I could acquire the properties through receivables owed to me by İSKİ.” Here, Nuhoğlu pointed out that he had nearly 500 million in receivables, which led him to reluctantly accept the offer.
Nuhoğlu described a deal where he was to receive 15 million TL and two additional villas valued at 48 million TL . He claimed this agreement was formalized after heavy scrutiny, which resulted in an uncertain additional clause involving 87 million TL in debts. “All renovation costs for the villas, amounting to approximately 15 million TL , were covered during my ownership, with Tuncay Yılmaz directing subcontractors,” Nuhoğlu stated.
Nuhoğlu’s Detailed Testimony on Payment Practices
Nuhoğlu stated that he had been involved in asphalt works for İBB, claiming numerous issues arose during payment processes. “Both I and many contractors faced substantial delays; it was expected that we would provide a commission for our payments. While I initially resisted, I eventually had to concede to this demand,” he revealed, implicating Fatih Keleş , IBB Sports Club President, as one of the key operatives managing these alleged corrupt practices.
The payments were reportedly funneled to Zafer Keleş , Fatih Keleş’s brother, in dollars through discreet deliveries carried out by Nuhoğlu’s employees. “These transactions occurred multiple times, and my employees are unaware of their specific purpose,” he added, highlighting the secretive nature of these operations.
Despite being detained, Nuhoğlu expressed concerns over his health and the urgency of his release. His legal representative, Özlem Çelik , argued that he had disclosed crucial information and deserved consideration regarding his health condition.
Nuhoğlu’s Additional Testimony on June 4
In a supplementary statement provided on June 4, Nuhoğlu reiterated his commitment to providing further details under effective remorse regulations. He outlined specific transactions involving significant sums delivered to Keleş for undisclosed purposes. “Payments were made to both Keleş and another employee, Oğuz Kaan Demircioğlu , amounting to over 3 million dollars in various transactions,” he detailed.
According to Nuhoğlu, these payments, which occurred around July and August 2022, were made in person at designated locations like Aqua Florya’s parking lot . He firmly stated that neither he nor his employees had knowledge of why these payments were being made.
His attorney, Özlem Çelik, concluded the sessions by maintaining that Nuhoğlu’s statements are supported by documented evidence, affirming the necessity of applying effective remorse provisions and emphasizing his deteriorating health conditions as reasons for immediate release.
The unfolding events highlight the deep-rooted issues within municipal structures, illustrating how extensive corruption networks can operate under the surface, adversely affecting the integrity of civic governance. As this case progresses, the ramifications are likely to reverberate throughout İstanbul, challenging existing accountability measures and governance structures, thus demanding rigorous scrutiny and reform.
General News – 1