Etimesgut Mayor Beşikçioğlu arrested; embezzlement allegation against witness in 'active remorse' case

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

A notable aspect of the case is that Serkan Kozan, who works as a computer operator at the municipality, gave two separate statements by invoking active remorse. Kozan's accounts comprise approximately one-third of the total charges. Beşikçioğlu, however, argues that Kozan harbors animosity toward him.

During investigations carried out while the inquiry was ongoing, it was found that Kozan had embezzled cafeteria fees; the municipality removed Kozan from office on August 13, 2025, in accordance with the Civil Servants Law numbered 657. Beşikçioğlu's lawyer filed a complaint against Kozan for embezzlement and abuse of office. Etimesgut Municipality had previously come under scrutiny for audit investigations related to tender processes.