Türkiye orders detention of 22 in Bolu municipal tender probe

Turkey's prosecutors have ordered the detention of 22 individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in a municipal tender process in Bolu. The probe centers on irregularities in contracts for the rental of driverless vehicles and construction machinery used in waste collection, transportation, and general cleaning services. Authorities confirmed that judicial proceedings were initiated against 23 suspects, including the suspended Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, though he was not among those detained. The investigation began after an expert report dated August 25 highlighted discrepancies in the implementation of the contract. Prosecutors stated that investigators compared vehicle tracking data from Arvento Mobile Systems with municipal landfill records and monthly work schedules. Their findings revealed that certain garbage collection vehicles were logged as operating on days when they did not actually work, leading to payments being made to the contractor based on these inaccurate records. According to the report, the municipality made approximately TL 34.29 million, equivalent to around $700,000, in excessive and improper payments to the MCY-Yeşilçam joint venture. These payments included price adjustments and value-added tax across 19 progress payments. The investigation has expanded to include municipal officials and employees involved in the tender, inspection, acceptance, and payment processes, as well as executives of the contractor. Law enforcement agencies, including police and gendarmerie, conducted simultaneous operations across seven provinces, with teams focusing their efforts in Bolu. Gendarmerie units searched the Bolu Municipality building and reviewed tender documents, payment records, and vehicle tracking data. The operation aimed to gather further evidence and clarify the extent of the alleged misconduct. Tanju Özcan, the suspended mayor, is currently in custody due to his involvement in a separate case. While he was named among the suspects, he was not subjected to the same detention measures as the other 22 individuals. This distinction suggests that his legal status in the current investigation differs from that of the others, possibly due to existing charges or procedural considerations. The investigation remains active, with prosecutors indicating that further actions will follow as more information becomes available. The case underscores the broader scrutiny being placed on public procurement practices in Turkey, particularly in local government projects involving large sums of money and complex contractual arrangements. As the probe continues, the outcomes could have implications for transparency and accountability in municipal governance. Authorities have not yet announced specific timelines for the resolution of the case, nor have they disclosed whether additional arrests or legal actions are anticipated. However, the scale of the financial discrepancy and the involvement of multiple levels of officials suggest that this investigation may lead to significant developments in the coming weeks.