Istanbul Public Prosecutor: TMSF Receiver Appointed at Halk TV, 11 Detained, TL 14.4 Million Bribery Allegation

The Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office detained 11 people as part of an investigation into Halk TV Board Chairman Cafer Mahiroğlu and appointed a Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) receiver to companies connected to the channel.

The prosecutor's office announced that the investigation covers allegations of bribery, collusive tendering, and money laundering. The operation, conducted by the Istanbul Provincial Police Department's Financial Crimes Division, drew on MASAK data, confidential witness statements, and suspect testimony.

According to the prosecutor's office, Mahiroğlu obtained unlawful gains from Izmir Metropolitan Municipality tenders by facilitating the establishment of BUSTECH Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Services Inc. Records in the case file indicate that TL 14,464,000 in undocumented bribery payments were made in connection with those tender processes.

Police teams entered the Halk TV building in the early morning hours, after which the channel halted broadcasts. Mahiroğlu personally announced that a receiver had been appointed. The street in front of the building was closed to traffic, and employees were barred from entering.

Halk TV had been known for its opposition-oriented editorial line since the 2013 Gezi protests. The investigation, centered on Izmir Metropolitan Municipality tenders, has thrust municipality-media relations to the top of the political agenda.