Etimesgut Mayor Beşikçioğlu arrested; embezzlement allegation against 'effective repentance' witness

Etimesgut Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu was arrested after being detained on July 30 in an investigation conducted in Ankara. According to information relayed by Medyascope, Beşikçioğlu gave a 207-page statement to prosecutors; the bulk of the statement covers allegations of bribery and bidding irregularities at the municipality.

A striking aspect of the case is that Serkan Kozan, a computer operator at the municipality, has given two separate statements by taking advantage of effective repentance provisions. Kozan's accounts comprise approximately one-third of the total allegations. Beşikçioğlu, however, argues that Kozan has a personal dispute with him.

During the ongoing investigation, examinations revealed that Kozan had embezzled cafeteria fees; the municipality removed Kozan from office on August 13, 2025, pursuant to Law No. 657 on Civil Servants. Beşikçioğlu's lawyer filed a complaint against Kozan for embezzlement and abuse of office. Etimesgut Municipality had previously come under scrutiny for supervisory investigations related to bidding processes.