Former national basketball player and Turkish Basketball Federation executive Rıza Selim Demir was detained in Istanbul on Monday during a new sweep ordered by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The inquiry has thrust Demir’s past commercial ventures back into the spotlight, 10Haber reported, specifically his partnership in the event planning firm A46 alongside fashion designer Naime Tuvana Demir.
During Mustafa Sarıgül’s tenure as Mayor of Şişli, the A46 company secured municipal contracts that previously drew intense media scrutiny.
Public records from that era show the firm collected a total of 20 contracts from the Şişli Municipality starting in 2011.
Those disputed contracts reached a cumulative value of 68 milyon 475 bin 400 TL, according to period reports.
A46’s municipal portfolio ranged widely, covering New Year celebrations, street fast-breaking dinners during Ramadan, May 19 youth events, Bosporus boat tours, and Valentine’s Day programs.
Archival records from the company confirm that Nişantaşı’s high-profile New Year celebrations in 2013 were orchestrated by A46.
Past press reports claimed that the 2013 street iftars cost 9 milyon 250 bin TL, while the New Year festivities accounted for another 7 milyon 200 bin TL in municipal spending.
The sheer size of the firm’s municipal payouts and whether proper competitive bidding rules were strictly enforced remained subjects of sharp debate.
Beyond his corporate history, Demir and Tuvana Büyükçınar celebrated their 50th birthdays and 17th wedding anniversary on August 13 with friends.
That multi-day celebration took place in Fethiye, spanning three days and three nights in a festival-like atmosphere that drew significant attention on social media.
Authorities have not yet released detailed statements regarding the specific allegations facing Demir in the current prosecutorial sweep.
The investigation continues under the direction of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office as legal proceedings progress.
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