Alleged Contact With Erdogan Over Arrested Deputy Mayor in Esenyurt

Former AKP lawmaker Şamil Tayyar alleged that in the Esenyurt Municipality investigation, 'well-connected figures' intervened on behalf of Deputy Mayor Yusuf Ulutaş, who was detained on October 10, and reached President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; Erdogan, he claimed, told these individuals 'do not get involved in this matter.'

Tayyar publicized his allegations through two separate posts on his social media account. Tayyar did not disclose the identities of the 'well-connected figures.'

The MASAK figures underlying the file are striking: bundles of cash and luxury watches were seized from a residence allegedly used by Ulutaş. According to the MASAK report, financial movement in the accounts in question stood at 10.6 million lira in the period before Ulutaş took the deputy mayor position, but surged to 231 million lira in 2025 when he assumed this post — a 21-fold increase in one year.

Esenyurt Municipality was handed over to trustee administration following the detention of Mayor Ahmet Özer last year. Yusuf Ulutaş held office during this trustee period. Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Ulutaş remains in detention; the indictment has not yet been completed.