BİM Responds to Allegations After Özgür Özel’s Call Regarding Tanju Özcan Case

BİM Responds to Allegations in Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan Investigation Following Call from Özgür Özel

Following a call to action from CHP leader Özgür Özel, BİM A.Ş. Has issued a statement regarding the investigation into Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, who was recently arrested on allegations of illicitly obtaining funds from chain supermarkets and using them for bursaries. The company asserts it is not a party to the legal proceedings, a response prompted by mounting public scrutiny and Özel’s direct challenge during a rally in Bolu. The situation highlights the intersection of local politics, corporate responsibility, and public perception in Turkey.

BİM’s statement, released on March 10, 2026, explicitly denies any involvement in initiating or participating in the investigation. “BİM A.Ş. As a corporate entity, is neither the initiator nor a party to the investigation process concerning the news,” the company stated, adding that it will not engage in any discussions aimed at influencing the ongoing legal process. This comes after similar statements were released by ŞOK Market and A101, both of which also denied filing complaints against Özcan.

The Context: Allegations Against Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan

Tanju Özcan, the mayor of Bolu representing the CHP, was arrested amid accusations of receiving funds from supermarket chains through unlawful means and then allocating those funds as scholarships. The specifics of these allegations remain under investigation by the Bolu Public Prosecutor’s Office. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly due to the involvement of major supermarket chains and the political profile of the accused. Details were not provided regarding the exact amount of money allegedly involved or the specific methods used to obtain the funds.

Özgür Özel’s Intervention and the “Three-Letter” Market

The situation escalated when CHP leader Özgür Özel addressed the issue during a “Millet İradesine Sahip Çıkıyor” (Stand Up for the People’s Will) rally in Bolu on March 6, 2026. Özel publicly supported Özcan and suggested that some supermarket chains were pressured into filing complaints against the mayor. He noted that ŞOK Market and A101 had both stated they had not filed any complaints. He then directly challenged the remaining major chain, referring to it as a “three-letter” market, warning that it should issue a clarifying statement or face the consequences, as understood by the people of Bolu. This direct reference was widely interpreted as being aimed at BİM.

BİM, ŞOK, and A101: A Breakdown of the Responses

Each of the three major supermarket chains – BİM, ŞOK, and A101 – has issued a statement denying direct involvement in initiating the legal proceedings against Mayor Özcan. As reported by Bolu Gündem, ŞOK Market explicitly stated that neither the company nor its executives had filed any criminal complaint or accusation within the scope of the investigation. A101, while also denying a direct complaint, noted that an investigation was underway regarding statements made by a former employee relating to a different supermarket chain. BİM’s statement, as previously detailed, emphasizes its complete lack of involvement in the process.

How the Legal Process Works in Turkey: A General Overview

In Turkey, investigations into allegations of financial misconduct, such as those facing Mayor Özcan, typically begin with a complaint filed with the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor then initiates an investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. If sufficient evidence is found, the prosecutor can file an indictment, leading to a trial. The process involves multiple stages, including preliminary investigation, formal investigation, indictment, trial, and potential appeals. The specific details of the investigation into Özcan are not publicly available, but it is proceeding under the authority of the Bolu Public Prosecutor’s Office.

What Happens Next?

The investigation into Tanju Özcan is ongoing. The Bolu Public Prosecutor’s Office will continue to gather evidence and build its case. It remains unclear what the next steps will be, but potential outcomes include further arrests, the filing of additional charges, or the eventual presentation of a case for trial. BİM, ŞOK, and A101 are likely to continue to monitor the situation and cooperate with authorities if requested. The political fallout from the case, and the role of Özgür Özel’s intervention, will also likely continue to unfold in the coming weeks.

Reader FAQ

• What exactly is Tanju Özcan accused of? He is accused of receiving funds from supermarket chains illegally and using them for bursaries.
• Did the supermarket chains file complaints against him? ŞOK Market and A101 have stated they did not. BİM has stated it is not a party to the investigation.
• What was Özgür Özel’s role in this? He publicly supported Özcan and challenged BİM to issue a statement.
• What is the significance of the “three-letter” market reference? It was a direct reference to BİM, prompting the company to issue a statement.