Istanbul prosecutors launch espionage probe against former mayor İmamoğlu amid political tensions

Istanbul prosecutors have opened a new espionage investigation against jailed opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, his former campaign manager Necati Ozkan, and Tele1 editor-in-chief Merdan Yanardag, linking them to a broader network allegedly involved in intelligence-sharing activities with foreign entities. The probe originates from the arrest of businessman Huseyin Gun in July, who was suspected of spying for foreign states and was found to have conducted large unexplained financial transactions and maintained contacts with foreign intelligence operatives and terror-linked individuals. Digital evidence suggests encrypted communications between Gun and Ozkan during Imamoglu's 2019 mayoral campaign, coordinating intelligence gathering and campaign activities. Yanardag was detained following searches at his home and office, with accusations of collaborating with foreign intelligence to manipulate elections. Authorities also allege unauthorized transfers of personal and ballot box data through election-related apps, implicating data breaches affecting millions. The investigation is conducted jointly by Turkey's National Intelligence Organization and Istanbul Police, and is widely viewed as politically motivated against Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and potential challenger to President Erdogan in 2028.