Newsroom
The owner of an advertising company based in the occupied north of Cyprus has been arrested in connection with a major corruption investigation in Turkey, one that’s said to be linked to Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Kaan Ketenci, who was reportedly on the run, was tracked down and arrested in the occupied north of Cyprus. Turkish authorities later took him to Istanbul, where he’s now facing possible charges.
According to Turkish prosecutors, Ketenci is one of nearly 100 people being investigated for serious offenses, including being part of a criminal gang, bribery, blackmail, and illegally handling personal data. The investigation is being run by the Istanbul General Prosecutor’s Office.
But the case has caused a stir in Turkey, with many suggesting it’s politically motivated. That’s because the focus appears to be on people and companies with ties to İmamoğlu, the popular opposition politician who is currently the mayor of Istanbul and seen as a potential rival to Erdogan in the next presidential election.
After Ketenci’s arrest, he was questioned by Istanbul’s Economic Crimes unit and then taken to court, where prosecutors asked for him to be kept in custody.
The arrest is making waves not just in Turkey but also here in Cyprus because of where it took place, in the breakaway region that’s not officially recognized. The case is still unfolding, and many are watching closely to see where it leads.
