Turkish prosecutors have arrested Erdal Besikcioglu, a popular television actor who later became an opposition mayor in Ankara, as part of a major anti-corruption investigation targeting municipal officials and business executives.
Besikcioglu, 56, is the mayor of Etimesgut, a district near Turkey’s capital with around 600,000 residents. Before entering politics, he gained nationwide recognition for playing a homicide detective in the acclaimed television series Behzat Ç., a role that made him a well-known figure across Turkey.
According to Ankara prosecutors, Besikcioglu was among 55 suspects detained during coordinated raids across nine provinces. The suspects reportedly include 42 municipal employees and 13 business executives. Authorities accused them of establishing and managing a criminal organisation, embezzlement and corruption.
The investigation focuses on alleged irregularities in municipal tenders issued by Etimesgut city hall. Besikcioglu’s detention adds to growing pressure on members of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
The CHP has described the arrests and investigations as part of a broader political campaign against opposition figures. The party has faced increasing legal pressure since Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested in March 2025. Imamoglu is widely regarded as a major political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The latest developments came shortly after Sinem Dedetas, the CHP mayor of Uskudar near Istanbul, was arrested over allegations involving irregularities in building permits.
The opposition says the growing number of investigations has targeted elected officials across the country. At least 28 CHP mayors and hundreds of party officials are reportedly in detention.
Political tensions have also intensified within the opposition. Former CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, who was removed from his position by a court, announced plans to establish a new political party with 91 lawmakers. The new movement is expected to challenge Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), adding another layer of uncertainty to Turkey’s political landscape.
