ISTANBUL, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities on Thursday detained 24 suspects in the western province of Izmir, including two district mayors, in an ongoing bribery and fraud investigation involving municipalities run by the main opposition Republican People's Party.
The suspects include Seferihisar Mayor Ismail Yetiskin and Balcova Mayor Onur Yigit, who were detained following warrants issued by prosecutors, according to Turkish state broadcaster TRT.
The probe focuses on alleged irregularities in construction permits and zoning procedures. Investigators allege that municipal personnel and private contractors conducted illicit transactions via cash payments and bank transfers.
Investigators have also identified suspicious financial transactions ahead of the March 2024 local elections, which are deemed to be alleged bribe payments.
Police operations are continuing to locate additional suspects and collect evidence from municipal offices and other premises. ■
