Arrest warrants issued for Halk TV owner Mahiroğlu; 11 of 17 suspects apprehended

Within the scope of an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office, arrest warrants were issued for 17 suspects including Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu; according to Anadolu Agency, 11 of the 17 individuals were taken into custody during operations conducted in the early morning hours.

The charges levied against Mahiroğlu by the Istanbul Provincial Police Department's Financial Crimes Combat Branch were grouped under three headings: bribery, bid-rigging, and money laundering of proceeds from crime.

According to the Prosecutor's Office statement, the investigation was based on Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) data, testimony from confidential witnesses, and suspect statements. In the indictment, it was alleged that Mahiroğlu used his connections within the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality to establish Bustech Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Services Inc., and that unlawful gain was obtained through the company in municipal tenders. The figure of 14 million 464 thousand lira was cited as unregistered bribery payments.

During the enforcement of the arrest warrant, Istanbul Police Department riot control teams formed a security perimeter in front of Halk TV's central building, the channel's broadcast was halted, and a trustee was appointed to management. Press professional organizations, recalling that the same operation was carried out against TELE1 a year ago, characterized the decision as interference with press freedom.