Çukurova Mayor Kozay and Other Suspects Transferred to Courthouse

Çukurova Mayor Emrah Kozay, former Mayor Soner Çetin, and other suspects detained in an operation conducted by gendarmerie units on October 19 as part of an investigation launched by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office over allegations of procurement irregularities and bribery, were transferred to the courthouse following medical examinations.

In the investigation file, Kozay is classified as an organization leader, while Çetin and Kozay's aunt Sıdıka Şire are classified as organization administrators. In the initial operation, 44 suspects were detained, and with subsequent arrests, the total number of detentions has reached 49.

According to the allegations, the exception clause in the Public Procurement Law was improperly used in purchases made through an anonymous company affiliated with the municipality; contractors doing business with the municipality offered bribes in exchange for payment certificates. Action was also taken against 8 individuals who were allegedly paid salaries despite not actually working — known colloquially as 'ATM employees.' E.A., the daughter of CHP-affiliated Tufanbeyli Mayor Ahmet Aktürk, was also among those detained for the same reason.

A three-member expert panel examined procurement and direct purchase documents for 2024, 2025, and 2026 obtained from the municipality and prepared a report; the operation was conducted in accordance with this report and other evidence.