A former national basketball player and an official with the Turkey Basketball Federation has been detained as part of a sweeping corruption investigation, according to judicial officials.
Rıza Selim Demir, a federation executive, was among 15 people taken into custody in an operation linked to allegations of money laundering and bribery, Sözcü reported. The probe, led by Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, targets suspects accused of funneling large sums of money through domestic and overseas companies and legitimizing criminal proceeds.
Seventeen individuals were subject to arrest warrants in the case, which centers on charges of membership in a criminal organization, money laundering, and bribery. Two suspects remain at large, authorities said.
Scrutiny Over Municipal Contracts
The investigation has thrust Demir, a former national basketball player, into the spotlight. His role as a manager at the Turkey Basketball Federation has drawn attention as the legal proceedings unfold.
Demir’s past business dealings have resurfaced as part of the inquiry. He co-owned the A46 event company with fashion designer Naime Tuvana Demir. During the mayoral term of Mustafa Sarıgül in the Şişli district, A46 secured numerous contracts from the municipality, Sözcü reported.
Records indicate the company won a total of 20 tenders from the Şişli Municipality starting in 2011. The cumulative value of these contracts was reportedly 68 million 475 thousand 400 Turkish LİRA.
A46 Organized High-Profile Public Events
A46’s portfolio included high-profile public events. The company organized New Year’s Eve celebrations, street iftars, May 19th events, Bosphorus cruises, and Valentine’s Day programs.
The company oversaw a New Year's Eve celebration in the Nişantaşı neighborhood in 2013. Past reports have claimed that 2013 sokak iftarları için 9 milyon 250 bin TL, yılbaşı kutlamaları için ise 7 milyon 200 bin TL harcandığı iddia edilmişti.
The fairness of the tender processes and the scale of the spending on these events have been subjects of public debate in the past.
Founders' Lifestyle Faces Scrutiny During Financial Inquiry
The inquiry into A46’s finances has coincided with renewed scrutiny of the lifestyle of its founders. Tuvana Büyükçınar and Rıza Selim Demir celebrated their 50th birthdays and their 17th wedding anniversary in August with a three-day, three-night festival in Fethiye.
The celebration, which generated social media interest, was described as having a festival-like atmosphere. The event has been cited in connection with the ongoing public discussion.
The legal process against the 15 detained individuals is expected to continue as authorities search for the two remaining suspects.
