Statutory framework
Opening of the investigation
The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor opened file 2012/656 on March 6, 2012. Initially focused on a single tender fraud, the investigation expanded into 15 separate categories as wiretaps progressed.
Wiretaps — scale
Wiretap orders for 71 suspects under CMK art.135 were issued by 19 separate judges across 10 different courts. Total wiretap duration exceeded 20 months. This scale makes it impossible to characterize any wiretap as the arbitrary act of a single judge.
Comparative framework
Among the judges who later issued these wiretap orders, the names Süleyman Karaçöl and Menekşe Uyar became publicly contested; both were ultimately acquitted in subsequent trials. The acquittal stands as a judicial confirmation of the legality of the wiretap orders.
Search order and execution
The search order of December 25, 2013 was issued by the competent magistrate. The failure to execute it is a police practice contrary to a judicial order under CMK art.116.