Bribes hidden in flower vases: corruption probe widens in CHP-run districts

Istanbul prosecutors have detained 13 more suspects in Ataşehir, an Istanbul district, adding to earlier detentions in the CHP-run Mediterranean city of Mezitli, and allege municipal officials took cash hidden among flowers in a vase and as gift cards from luxury stores in exchange for zoning permits. One suspect is accused of taking 5 million lira for a single permit, another of amassing 28 million lira in illicit gains. Dozens of mayors from the main opposition CHP have now been investigated or jailed since 2024.

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