Politis

Allegations of Lavish Lifestyle and Extramarital Affair Target Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu

Published January 16, 2026, 08:28
Allegations of Lavish Lifestyle and Extramarital Affair Target Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu

Reports in the Turkish press are targeting Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu with allegations of a lavish lifestyle including private jets, travel, gambling, and long parties. These claims stem from the testimony of Rabia Karaca, an influencer in pre-trial detention for drug and bribery offenses, who claims to have been the partner of businessman Murat Gulibrahimoglu. According to Karaca, municipal funds were used for the aforementioned activities, and an extramarital affair between Imamoglu and a volleyball player is also mentioned. The reports highlight discussions of high gambling winnings and money sharing during private jet flights, as well as significant losses during gambling trips. These allegations have not been legally judged, but are expected to be considered in ongoing investigations into alleged corruption within the Istanbul Municipality.