4 detained in investigation of Halk TV owner Mahiroğlu

Processing of 12 suspects referred to court has been completed before a peace criminal judge in an investigation conducted by Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu, who is accused of accepting bribes and rigging a procurement tender.

The court ruled for the detention of Harika Akkaya, Murat Koçak, Süleyman Özen, and Mehmet Necati Yağcı. Erkan Yağcı, Hasan Özdemir, İbrahim Özdemir, and Mustafa Özdemir were released under house arrest, while Ali Turan, Armağan Küçük, Mediha Burumoğlu, and Halit Akın were released with judicial monitoring measures. Mahiroğlu himself had been taken into custody at an earlier stage.

According to a statement made to TRT Haber by Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the investigation is being pursued in coordination with the Istanbul Provincial Police Department's Financial Crimes Fighting Division. The case is based on financial data provided by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), testimony from confidential witnesses, and statements from suspects.

Three charges leveled against the suspects — bribery, rigging a procurement tender, and laundering proceeds of crime — carry sentences of imprisonment under the Turkish Penal Code. The court evaluated the risk of flight and evidence tampering as grounds for detention in connection with the aforementioned crimes.