Two arrested in Turkey over alleged corruption probe involving politician's associates

Ahmet Can Ağbaba and Sadık Can Köksal have been arrested and jailed as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and illicit financial dealings in Turkey. The arrests are linked to a broader probe involving accusations of bribery and influence peddling within municipal tenders and procurement processes.

According to the indictment, the investigation focuses on Turgut Koç, who is currently detained in another case. Gökhan Cumalı, identified as Veli Ağbaba's driver, is also implicated. The prosecution alleges that Veli Ağbaba, Turgut Koç, and Özlem Akyılmaz Mercan, an employee in parliament, made financial contributions to Gökhan Cumalı's accounts.

Further details reveal that Turgut Koç allegedly transferred substantial sums of money to Özlem Akyılmaz Mercan on multiple occasions between January 2023 and July 2024. Koç is also reported to have sent numerous payments to Gökhan Cumalı. In his statement to prosecutors, Turgut Koç reportedly confessed that Veli Ağbaba had asked him for money, leading to their correspondence.

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Veli Ağbaba asked me for money, and that's why we corresponded.

Digital evidence recovered from Gökhan Cumalı's phone reportedly includes conversations with Veli Ağbaba concerning money. One exchange from January 2024 shows Veli Ağbaba asking "where is the money?", while another WhatsApp conversation from March 2024 involves discussions and a photograph related to $100,000 allegedly found in a package.

The prosecution believes Turgut Koç obtained illicit financial benefits through irregular agreements and tenders from municipalities, facilitated by Veli Ağbaba. Koç is also accused of acting as an intermediary for others seeking municipal contracts and establishing a company with Gökhan Cumalı to secure tenders. A portion of these alleged illicit gains was reportedly transferred to Veli Ağbaba's personal secretary, relatives, and driver. The indictment specifically notes that Ahmet Can Ağbaba has no familial relation to Veli Ağbaba but is accused of profiting 150,000 Turkish Lira from influence peddling.

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where is the money?