Ekrem Imamoglu: The Biggest Players in the “Scam of the Century” Are Political Figures

Detained Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has launched a fresh criticism of the government over the ongoing fund investigation, alleging that senior ruling party officials and bureaucrats are among those implicated. Marking the 40th day of what he calls the “scam of the century,” Imamoglu demanded that the political figures allegedly involved in the affair be brought to light.

In his statement, Imamoglu claimed that numerous senior figures within the ruling party, elected officials and appointed bureaucrats were connected to the alleged scheme. He argued that even more influential individuals were being kept out of public view, asking: “Where are the big players?”

Describing the affair as an organised scandal rooted in what he called the country’s dysfunctional presidential system, Imamoglu criticised the public-private partnership model, portraying it as an unprecedented example of institutional failure and a source of national disgrace.

Imamoglu Questions Contradictory Decisions in the Investigation

Imamoglu also questioned the consistency of judicial decisions taken during the investigation, arguing that the process was undermined by contradictory rulings.

He highlighted several developments:

• Restrictions that had been lifted just a month earlier were reinstated despite no apparent change in circumstances.
• Precautionary measures involving politically connected individuals were reportedly imposed and withdrawn on the same day.
• Fund managers and a number of civil servants were publicly exposed, while political figures and those in positions of power were allegedly shielded.

Raising concerns about the possibility of deliberate interference, Imamoglu asked whether the investigation was being used to give certain individuals an opportunity to conceal their involvement or eliminate evidence.

“The Biggest Player Is the Political Wing”

Imamoglu argued that public confidence in state institutions had been severely damaged, including confidence in the judiciary. He accused the government of failing to manage the country effectively and allowing public institutions to deteriorate.

Addressing the public, he insisted that the central figures behind the alleged scandal were not merely financial operators but politicians.

“The biggest player is the political wing,” Imamoglu declared, adding that those managing the funds knew which political figures were involved.

He further accused those governing the country of withholding the truth from the public and urged citizens not to trust the government.