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Former Istanbul Mayor and Associates Under Espionage Investigation

10/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

Istanbul's former Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, campaign director Necati Özkan, and journalist Merdan Yanardag are under investigation for allegedly sharing confidential voter information with foreign intelligence during the 2019 elections.
The investigation follows the July 2023 arrest of Hüseyin Gün, who is accused of espionage and ties to terrorist groups.
Evidence indicates that Gün coordinated with Imamoglu and Özkan to manipulate electoral data for financial gain.
Yanardag was detained after searches at his home and office, with prosecutors claiming he aided media operations for the alleged criminal network.
The investigation is ongoing, with 15 additional suspects detained for leaking personal data from municipal applications.

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Story summary

Istanbul's former Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, campaign director Necati Özkan, and journalist Merdan Yanardag are under investigation for allegedly sharing confidential voter information with foreign intelligence during the 2019 elections.
The investigation follows the July 2023 arrest of Hüseyin Gün, who is accused of espionage and ties to terrorist groups.
Evidence indicates that Gün coordinated with Imamoglu and Özkan to manipulate electoral data for financial gain.
Yanardag was detained after searches at his home and office, with prosecutors claiming he aided media operations for the alleged criminal network.
The investigation is ongoing, with 15 additional suspects detained for leaking personal data from municipal applications.