Ege University Probe: 27 Suspects, Including AKP Official, Detained

A sweeping investigation into alleged corruption at Ege University has resulted in the detention of 27 individuals, including a local executive of the ruling AKP party. The probe, coordinated by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and conducted by the Financial Crimes Branch, centers on irregularities in tender processes and direct procurement within the university's revolving fund.

Investigators suspect that these alleged corrupt practices have caused approximately 3.1 billion Turkish lira in public damage. These findings align with issues previously identified in reports by the Court of Accounts (Sayıştay).

Following an operation across six provinces on June 9, 47 people were initially detained. After questioning, 41 were brought to the Izmir Courthouse. A prosecutor released one suspect, while a criminal court ordered the detention of 27 others, including former Ege University Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Devrim Bozkurt, former hospital chief administrator Ömer Özcoşar, and AKP Kemalpaşa District Executive Yavuz Yılmaz. Another 13 individuals were released under judicial control measures.