Turkish authorities on Friday detained the mayor of Silivri, a western Istanbul district, in the latest corruption investigation targeting municipalities run by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).
Mayor Bora Balcioglu was among 17 suspects taken into custody during the raid, state news agency Anadolu reported.
Prosecutors are investigating them over allegations including forming and leading a criminal organization, bribery and money laundering, according to Anadolu.
In a statement on X, the municipality said searches of its premises produced no criminal evidence. It called for a fair and transparent legal process.
The detention marks the latest move in a widening crackdown on CHP-run municipalities since the party emerged as the strongest force in Turkey's 2024 local elections.
Several CHP mayors have been arrested on corruption charges, including former Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, since March last year. İmamoğlu faces multiple investigations, including over allegations of corruption and espionage.
The CHP has condemned the investigations as politically motivated while President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government claims the judiciary operates independently.
